skullkid2424's recent activity
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Comment on Book recommendation request: Fantasy book about university similar to The Name of the Wind? in ~books
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Comment on In need of new bedding in ~life.style
skullkid2424 LinkIf you're in the US, Threshold (Target's "upscale" brand) is a pretty good budget option. Fairly decent quality for a low price.If you're in the US, Threshold (Target's "upscale" brand) is a pretty good budget option. Fairly decent quality for a low price.
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Comment on Thoughts on the friendzone in ~life
skullkid2424 Link ParentTo add-on to sparksbet's response - the egg concept is a in-joke in the trans community (and has spread even further due to things like /r/egg_irl showing up on reddit's front page) where someone...To add-on to sparksbet's response - the egg concept is a in-joke in the trans community (and has spread even further due to things like /r/egg_irl showing up on reddit's front page) where someone who is trans or showing signs of being trans, but hasn't realized it yet, is called an egg. "Cracks" are when some of that shows through, often in an "obvious in hindsight" way. And then "hatching" (or having your egg cracked in this case) is them figuring out that they are trans.
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Comment on Looking for slim wallet recommendations in ~life.style
skullkid2424 LinkI ended up with this random cheap one from amazon. I'm sure you can find a similar form factor from a real company made out of quality materials, but mine is going strong after 5 years. I have 2...I ended up with this random cheap one from amazon. I'm sure you can find a similar form factor from a real company made out of quality materials, but mine is going strong after 5 years. I have 2 IDs, insurance card, 5 credit/debit cards (and could fit 2-4 more fairly easily) and cash (does get bulky when you start carrying 10-15+ bills, but usually not a problem).
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Comment on Kill Bill x Rav x Hatsune Miku - THINGS WILL GET MUCH WORSE FROM HERE (2024) in ~music
skullkid2424 Link ParentThe reading that I got (and several of the youtube comments) is that its artists and Vocaloid against generative AI. Vocaloid is definitely on "our" side, due to being more of a medium for...The reading that I got (and several of the youtube comments) is that its artists and Vocaloid against generative AI. Vocaloid is definitely on "our" side, due to being more of a medium for expression rather than the soulless content generation of AI.
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Comment on Who sells the Darn Tough equivalent of underwear? in ~life.men
skullkid2424 Link ParentI'll second the Darn Tough socks + Duluth underwear combo. Underwear does wear out faster, so I don't think its going to be quite as "BIFL" - but I have yet to find anything that matches quality...I'll second the Darn Tough socks + Duluth underwear combo. Underwear does wear out faster, so I don't think its going to be quite as "BIFL" - but I have yet to find anything that matches quality and fit for me.
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Comment on PC gaming is mainstream. Now what? in ~games
skullkid2424 Link ParentI believe you're thinking of the Steam Link - which plugged into your TV and streamed games that were running on your PC (regardless of OS). The Steam Deck is much more analogous to a Nintendo...I believe you're thinking of the Steam Link - which plugged into your TV and streamed games that were running on your PC (regardless of OS).
The Steam Deck is much more analogous to a Nintendo Switch - its a fully-capable handheld device.
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Comment on Help me ditch Chrome's password manager! in ~tech
skullkid2424 Link ParentFair. Though most people will have their password manager as an app on their phone, so they'll have their passwords with them wherever they go.Fair. Though most people will have their password manager as an app on their phone, so they'll have their passwords with them wherever they go.
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Comment on Help me ditch Chrome's password manager! in ~tech
skullkid2424 Link ParentNo offense, but that seems like a very naive take. Not using a password manager won't magically give you a better memory. That typically forces people to use easier-to-remember passwords with...I turn off this password manager everytime I reinstall a.PC for someone. People can't remember their passwords and I try to force them to by doing that. Password manager (of other type) won't solve that.
No offense, but that seems like a very naive take. Not using a password manager won't magically give you a better memory. That typically forces people to use easier-to-remember passwords with worse security, making them less secure.
I did use a similar tiered password system for a while, but ultimately ended up switching to full time password managers.
The big problem is that as leaks and dumps became available, its very easy to build a profile of old passwords and try them on similar websites. So if any company at any password tier has a security problem, then that entire tier is insecure. I used a base password and would customize it based on the actual site - for example,
hunter2+tildesfor tildes andhunter2+redditfor reddit. But that obviously has similar flaws in that any human might be able to guess the system after seeing a leaked password - not to mention anyone attempting to bruteforce passwords would potentially be able to use old passwords as a starting point.I came to the conclusion that realistically, I can't remember enough unique and secure passwords to provide every email, bank, credit card, etc with the security that I should. A password manager (rather, a good password manager) is the best solution IMO. I can focus on remembering a few key secure passwords, and generate very secure passwords that I don't have to remember. I'm much less vulnerable to random brute force attacks and smarter attacks made with previously leaked passwords.
The other solution I considered was to randomly generate secure passwords, but to never write them down - always using the "I forgot my password" button whenever I need to login. That route very clearly has some usability issues - though I still might consider it valid for things you only need to log into very rarely.
I also have basically stopped using security questions (as intended). Security questions are a huge vulnerability and the source of many hacks. At the very least, its worth having a system where the answers don't match up with the questions. A hacker may be able to guess or figure out the make and model of my first car. But if I answer every car-related security question with the same unrelated answer (something completely out of left field, like "Frank Herbert's Dune") - then I'm in much less danger of someone doing some social engineering to gain access. Of course, using the same answer for every car-related question introduces the same vulnerability where if one instance of those are ever leaked, attackers have a starting point to attempt to guess for other sites. Which brings us back to the best solution for security questions to be randomly generated passwords stored in a password manager. Perhaps a different password manager than the rest of your passwords.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~tildes
skullkid2424 Link ParentHmmm. Fair enough. I suppose I never do look at tildes without being logged in.Hmmm. Fair enough. I suppose I never do look at tildes without being logged in.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~tildes
skullkid2424 Link ParentI'm curious where you got the idea that tildes is in alpha. IMO, the invite-only aspect is a key part of why tildes is so high quality. We'll alternate between low user growth and then some event...Given that it's still in "invite-only alpha" with very little development, no promotion and no clear future plan
I'm curious where you got the idea that tildes is in alpha. IMO, the invite-only aspect is a key part of why tildes is so high quality. We'll alternate between low user growth and then some event (usually some sort of reddit enshitification) driving a big swing. If things are slowing down, we can recruit more. But big user waves also tend to lower quality for a bit until the new users figure out the site and those who want memes self-filter elsewhere.
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Comment on Credit cards and privacy: Can I have both? in ~tech
skullkid2424 LinkFew clarifying questions: Are you asking about debit cards vs credit cards, or cards vs cash? Who are you trying to avoid being tracked by? Banks? Credit card companies? Vendors?Few clarifying questions:
- Are you asking about debit cards vs credit cards, or cards vs cash?
- Who are you trying to avoid being tracked by? Banks? Credit card companies? Vendors?
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Comment on What is the "bible" of your hobby or activity? in ~hobbies
skullkid2424 (edited )Link ParentTheres tons of stuff out there. Some companies with decent quality are sparrows, southord, multipick, jimylong, covertinstruments, and peterson. They should all have a starter kit or three....Theres tons of stuff out there. Some companies with decent quality are sparrows, southord, multipick, jimylong, covertinstruments, and peterson. They should all have a starter kit or three. Definitely avoid cheap amazon kits. The main things I'd look for would be the pick profiles that come with them, the quality/ergonomics of the handle, and the turning tools. The main picks are used for single-pin-picking, which is the more deliberate style that is akin to solving a puzzle. There are also various "rakes", which are used by rapidly moving the bumps over the pins to hopefully set those pins. Raking is often a quick way to open a lock, but if you're more interested in the puzzle-style, then they are superfluous.
I'll note that picks typically range from 0.015-0.025" in thickness - thinner means you can fit into tight keyways, but are often more fragile. And there are various profiles like shallower picks that fit better into smaller locks, deeper picks which can push up on pins in the back of the lock, and the tip of the pin might be flat or rounded or even have a little divot. Its hard to say what you might use. Many starter kits have a few in 0.025", and perhaps a single thinner pick at 0.015". Some meet in the middle for a 0.018-0.020" that should be a good blend of both.
I started with the Sparrows Tuxedo kit, which was solid enough quality and a good price. The picks don't have any grip, so I picked up some electrical shrink wrap from amazon to make some. Doesn't look too pretty, but it worked. The main thing that set lacked would be "bar-style" turning tools like these and/or these. I ended up picking up both of those bar sets after I knew I was interested in the hobby.
If you want to jump ahead a bit, I found that lockpicking was sometimes rough on my fingers/wrists, so I ended up with some jimylong picks (grip is based on surgeon tools) and these ergonomic turning tools.
It looks like jimylong has a starter set, so I'd probably recommend that. Great quality for great price.
I'd definitely recommend /r/lockpicking and their discord as a resource. They have a "karate belt" style ranking system that you can participate in, which doubles as a good list of interesting locks roughly sorted by difficulty.
Finally, just a note on legality - never pick a lock that is in use or that you don't own. Its very easy to "brick" a lock and render it inoperable. Don't try to help your friend when they are locked out of your house - you can make the situation worse and its a good way to get the cops called on you. Before you start, look at toool's lockpicking laws page to get an idea of the legality of lockpicks in your state. In most states, owning lockpicks is not enough to be charged with a crime - you also have to show intent to break in/steal. But good to know the laws, especially when traveling. I often travel through an iffy state when seeing family, so I won't bring a pick + lock for demonstrations.
Feel free to ask any questions and I'll do my best to answer =)
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Comment on What is the "bible" of your hobby or activity? in ~hobbies
skullkid2424 LinkI picked up lockpicking as a pandemic hobby. There are a ton of great resources, but the MIT Guide to Lockpicking is probably the "bible" - covers the basics and fundamental concepts that still...I picked up lockpicking as a pandemic hobby. There are a ton of great resources, but the MIT Guide to Lockpicking is probably the "bible" - covers the basics and fundamental concepts that still apply, despite being ~30 years old.
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Comment on What did you do this week (and weekend)? in ~talk
skullkid2424 LinkDisc Golf and apartment hunting! Despite being ~25-35 degrees F with some snow on the ground, managed to get out for a round on both saturday and sunday. Saturday round was a wooded course that...Disc Golf and apartment hunting!
Despite being ~25-35 degrees F with some snow on the ground, managed to get out for a round on both saturday and sunday. Saturday round was a wooded course that was out of the wind, and the muddy areas were still frozen and crunchy. Sunday round is half-wooded, and the open holes had some brutal wind gusts - bad for both wind chill and throwing discs. Still very fun, though I definitely regretted not having a softshell layer to break the wind.
Less fun was apartment hunting. Currently paying "luxury apartment" rates due to pandemic rent raising, but my current apartment is very much a mediocre apartment. So I went and looked at some actual luxury apartment complexes. One was disappointing (an ok apartment, but not nice and shared laundry), but would have been cheaper than my current rent. Second apartment complex is very nice - tons of space, clean apartment, all the apartment features I want, shared gym/pool/basketball/grill areas, and in a great location (off the main road enough to be quiet, close enough to shopping/downtown/highway, and closer to the disc golf courses). Only downside is that its ~$100 more expensive, but pretty sure it will be worth it. Now to do the boring application stuff.
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Comment on Defeat Clintin the mini-boss in new ‘Epstein’ island game on Steam in ~games
skullkid2424 Link ParentI think its the only source reporting on it because there isn't much to report on? An asset-flip company made an game with an "edgy" premise to get some shock value sales. The article saying it...I think its the only source reporting on it because there isn't much to report on?
An asset-flip company made an game with an "edgy" premise to get some shock value sales. The article saying it "shocks gamers" is stretching the few steam reviews and twitter posts.
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Comment on Taskmaster NZ | Series 2 complete playlist in ~tv
skullkid2424 Link ParentI actually appreciate that he doesn't try to blindly copy Greg and Greg's relationship to Alex. Some of the other non-UK ones have felt weird when they try to force that relationship. Jeremy...I actually appreciate that he doesn't try to blindly copy Greg and Greg's relationship to Alex. Some of the other non-UK ones have felt weird when they try to force that relationship. Jeremy doesn't lean into the "bullying" relationship with assistant and just has a positive one - which works for him.
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Comment on Time loop stories aren't all 'Groundhog Day' rip-offs. Time loop stories aren't all 'Groundhog Day' rip-offs. Time loop stories aren't all... in ~movies
skullkid2424 LinkI think younger generations will stop linking time loops to Groundhog Day - the movie is 30 years old at this point...and not high up in the list of classics to watch. Side note - I'd highly...I think younger generations will stop linking time loops to Groundhog Day - the movie is 30 years old at this point...and not high up in the list of classics to watch.
Side note - I'd highly recommend Mother of Learning for anyone interested in a great time-loop fantasy story. It also is one of the stories that lead to the modern "Progression Fantasy" subgenre.
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Comment on What is there to do anymore? in ~talk
skullkid2424 Link ParentHappy to hear that there are some courses on udisc nearby - I was hoping that would be the case. For some background, disc golf had a huge jump in popularity during the pandemic as an outdoor...Happy to hear that there are some courses on udisc nearby - I was hoping that would be the case. For some background, disc golf had a huge jump in popularity during the pandemic as an outdoor activity that could be done alone or in small groups in your "bubble".
For getting started, you'd really just want athletic shoes/clothes, a water bottle, the udisc app (for finding teepads/baskets and optionally keeping score), and 1-3 discs.
If any of your friends play, they can likely lend you discs or give you advice on basic discs depending on how you throw. There are tons of different discs to choose from and you can get very in depth. Many players who really like the sport will carry 15-30 discs in a backpack on the course. To start though, you really only need 1 or 2.
The no-thinking solution is buy a starter pack. Basically every company that makes discs will sell a 3-disc starter set for $20-30 - they include a putter, a midrange, and a driver (which you can usually ignore as a beginner). They are usually cheaper plastic and lighter weights, which is good for kids and beginners - but will get chunks taken out of it or even crack after hitting trees. There are also starter sets out there that are not from actual disc manufacturers, which can be confusing - avoid things like franklin or that have no name. The set from Innova is the classic - their starter set isn't very durable, but will last for long enough for you to decide if you like the sport and want to invest in more. They are also the most "mainstream" set, and can be found in places like walmart, dicks, and play-it-again-sports. Other good options are dynamic discs, latitude64, westside, MVP, axiom, streamline, remix, discmania, divergent discs, and many others. If you find a kit and want to know if its decent, feel free to ask. I personally recommend either the Axiom R2 set (made from recycling discs with manufacturing defects, but still is better plastic than most starter sets, downside is black flight plate can sometimes be hard to find after a throw) or the Divergent Discs Max Grip set (company makes discs for beginners only, better plastic than most starter sets, bright colors) to my friends.
If you know you're going to get into the sport, you can skip the starter set and buy 1-5ish discs to cover several slots. To really get good value from this, you need to know a bit about the discs that you want - or you can take recommendations from a friend who plays. If you want to go this route, you can look at the Innova factory store - which sells factory seconds (discs with cosmetic imperfections, but are perfectly functional) for fairly cheap ($10-12 for premium plastic, $6 for base plastic which is good for putters). They also do a code every friday for a free disc if you buy 3+ other discs. Another similar option would be to look at Remix discs on amazon, which are overstock/factory seconds from another of the big companies - and they put them on amazon for $10-12/disc. The third option I'd recommend would be to buy a factory second mid ($15) and putter ($12) from Trash Panda - which make their disc from fully recycled plastic (and they mark their discs so they are technically recyclable as well).
If you're looking for more resources, there are tons of disc golf youtubers out there with various styles. Foundation has a good video on just the basic backhand throw. Overthrow is coaching oriented and has a good video on how to putt. The Disc Golf subreddit will also have some good threads and is one of the 2 subs I still use reddit for.
Let me know if you have any questions, and have fun!
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Comment on What is there to do anymore? in ~talk
skullkid2424 Link ParentUdisc is the main app for finding courses and keeping score - check their website for courses, as it will have way more than google maps or something similar. Most disc golf courses are free,...- Exemplary
Udisc is the main app for finding courses and keeping score - check their website for courses, as it will have way more than google maps or something similar.
Most disc golf courses are free, usually built on public land. There are also private courses, which often range from $5-20 per play, and tend to be higher quality and better maintained. But the majority are free.
For setting up your own course - its definitely possible, though it can vary greatly depending on land, time, money, etc put into it. Portable practice baskets run $80-200ish each. Those aren't meant to be left outside 24/7, but they are cheap and light weight - letting you keep it in your car/garage/house and set it up farily easily. The permanent baskets are in the $300-700 range IIRC, and usually have a metal sleeve cemented into the ground. Maybe a consideration if you really get into the sport and have some land where you can set up some holes. Homemade baskets are a thing, but vary wildly in quality. The ones with decent chains for catching discs tend to be similar price to the practice baskets - so many of the homemade baskets are things like a bike tire mounted on a pole with chains hanging from it.
Your best bet for a nearby course is to talk to your local government and figure out if there is land for a possible course, and then convince them to fund/build one. It can take some research and prep work - especially when it comes to things like insurance, course design, initial setup, and maintenance. Probably a tall task for someone brand new to the sport. But you can maybe find some local players who might help out with pushing the local government to build something.
The simplest way to start though is to go back to the roots of the sport, which would be an "object course". While modern disc golf uses a basket below hanging chains - the sport started by simply seeing who can hit a given tree with a frisbee first. You can use existing trees or fence posts or whatever else is around, or get a traffic cone to set your own hole wherever. The fancier versions would be "tone poles", which are basically any metal pole or object that makes a nice tone sound when hit. I've seen homemade courses using old oxygen tanks and fire extinguishers with the bottoms cut off - basically turning them into big bells. I've seen nicer ones with 4 ft tall hollow obelisks as well.
I'll second the Mage Errant series.
But also I'd suggest checking out Mother of Learning. It heavily inspired Arcane Ascension, as well as being a huge influence for the fairly new /r/progressionfantasy genre.