tea_spirit's recent activity
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Comment on Pebble Round 2 announced in ~tech
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Comment on Pebble Round 2 announced in ~tech
tea_spirit Link ParentKinda funny you asked; I just bought a new bad since the one it came with has been irritating my wrist like crazy. Between the nasty rash it gives me the fact it came ripped on delivery, I should...Kinda funny you asked; I just bought a new bad since the one it came with has been irritating my wrist like crazy. Between the nasty rash it gives me the fact it came ripped on delivery, I should have replaced it ages ago. I don’t like silicone bands anyway.
I ordered this cheap little thing from Amazon because I used a similar style for my Bangle and enjoyed it well enough. Super easy to put on and take off, but it takes a minute to dry out if you get it wet. Happy to update you once it arrives on quality for this specific one, if the style works for you.
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Comment on Pebble Round 2 announced in ~tech
tea_spirit Link ParentThe new Pebble company has only been around for a little and there’s already been some drama with Rebble, but I feel like Eric has been pretty transparent with us so far. Obviously that helps him...The new
CorePebble company has only been around for a little and there’s already been some drama with Rebble, but I feel like Eric has been pretty transparent with us so far. Obviously that helps him sell product better, but I’d skim through some of his blog posts if you’re worried about history repeating itself or anything like that.Anyway, you (or someone else) might be interested in the BangleJS. It’s a cool little hackable smartwatch I’ve been using the last few years to scratch my Pebble itch, although it’s much more barebones and dev-oriented. If you like Javascript and have an Android, I’d recommend it. I had some connectivity issues with my iPhone that eventually drove me to stop using it, but I love the spirit behind the device and wish more people knew about it.
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Comment on Pebble Round 2 announced in ~tech
tea_spirit Link ParentFWIW, I’ve been using the new Pebble Duo 2 daily since it got delivered in late November and it’s been awesome. The only issue I’ve had is with the quality of the watch band, but those are easily...FWIW, I’ve been using the new Pebble Duo 2 daily since it got delivered in late November and it’s been awesome. The only issue I’ve had is with the quality of the watch band, but those are easily replaceable since it’s just a normal 22mm band.
Otherwise it’s been a great experience, which is keeping me excited about the Time 2 (which I’ve had on preorder since the announcement was made)and the Round 2. I think i’ve charged the watch 3 or 4 times since I got it, which is way better than any other watch I’ve ever had (including my old Pebbles) and it’s getting better with each update.
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Comment on Tips for becoming a tea person in ~food
tea_spirit Link ParentAbsolutely; I feel like I’m in a similar boat with my tea drinking. Everyone I know thinks I’m crazy, but it’s nothing compared to what I’ve seen online with others! I definitely don’t want to...Absolutely; I feel like I’m in a similar boat with my tea drinking. Everyone I know thinks I’m crazy, but it’s nothing compared to what I’ve seen online with others!
I definitely don’t want to diss anyone who’s into fruited or flavored teas. They’re popular for a reason! I find a lot of enjoyment in the fact that people have been drinking tea made from the same plant for thousands of years, so I like to drink my tea “pure” so I really know what the leaves are providing. That and the fact there’s so much out there I’ve yet to try, I haven’t needed to enhance my tea with anything.
I do have a soft spot for drinking peppermint herbal tea before bed, mostly due to the lack of caffeine in herbal teas and tisanes. I think people should drink whatever it is they like, regardless of any “rules” may exist in the hobby (:
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Comment on Tips for becoming a tea person in ~food
tea_spirit Link ParentI wanted a new username after leaving reddit, and figured I would attempt to get creative since Tildes was much smaller. I did my best to come up with a tea-related name (because I do very much...I wanted a new username after leaving reddit, and figured I would attempt to get creative since Tildes was much smaller. I did my best to come up with a tea-related name (because I do very much enjoy tea), and figured this was as good a pun (free spirit, anybody?) as I was going to come up with.
Terribly interesting story, I know :p
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Comment on Tips for becoming a tea person in ~food
tea_spirit Link ParentDepends on what I’m brewing, but 80% of the time I’m brewing my black tea one cup at a time with an in-mug basket infuser. People sell all kinds of infusers for loose leaf tea, but you want to...Depends on what I’m brewing, but 80% of the time I’m brewing my black tea one cup at a time with an in-mug basket infuser. People sell all kinds of infusers for loose leaf tea, but you want to make sure that you’re using one that has plenty of room for the leaves to unfurl and expand in the water. On a daily basis, I’ll throw a teaspoon of a loose leaf black tea in there, pour ~200°F water over it, and let it steep about 3-5 minutes before removing it about 3 or 4 times a day. Quick and easy.
When I want to drink something a little more expensive, or I’ve got time to really sit down and enjoy the brewing process, I’ve got a collection of teaware that I cycle through depending on the type of tea I’m making. These vary from a big western-style glass teapot to a tiny porcelain gaiwan; you really do have tons of options depending on what you’re making and how you’d like to make it. Usually I’ll brew my tea gong-fu style when I break the fun stuff out, all set up over a wooden tea table for catching water and rinsed tea, and I’ll get to enjoy 32oz+ out of the leaves over multiple infusions by the time I finish. I’m not sure if coffee is generally brewed multiple times, but most tea is definitely meant to depending on the style/quantity of tea and method of brewing.
I’m linking pages from Harney here because I mentioned it earlier, but a lot of my “nicer” teaware came from Yunnan Sourcing and other chinese-based tea vendors that have been mentioned here in the comments.
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Comment on Tips for becoming a tea person in ~food
tea_spirit LinkIf you’re into the fancy coffee shit, you’ll find that you can get just as (if not more) fancy with tea. Shame on whoever mocked you for weighing your tea; they clearly don’t know how complex the...If you’re into the fancy coffee shit, you’ll find that you can get just as (if not more) fancy with tea. Shame on whoever mocked you for weighing your tea; they clearly don’t know how complex the tea world is (:
Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, just behind water. There are plenty of ways to enjoy it, and it’s difficult to say where to start. If you’re serious about learning more, stay away from herbal teas or flavored blends (unless that’s something that interests you, of course); those aren’t necessarily “tea”. All tea (green, black, white, oolong, etc.) is made from the same plant, just prepared differently. It’s crazy how different flavors the flavors can be, depending on where the leaf is grown and how it’s processed.
If you’re looking for somewhere to start, I’d recommend Harney & Sons if you’re located in the US. I started with their Golden Monkey (black tea) and Jasmine (green tea), and that sent me on a journey of tea discovery that’s lasted years and I’ve still got plenty to learn. Drink the tea plain, follow the recommended volumes and brewing times, and I hope you’ll find some pleasant flavors.
I’ve only been drinking tea “seriously” for five or six years now, but I’m happy to answer any other questions you have! I’m always astounded at how deep the tea rabbit hole goes, and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed while on your coffee break. Just keep in mind that tea does contain caffeine (varied depending on type), and it’s never going to taste as strong as coffee. It’s just as enjoyable, but they’re not 1:1 substitutes.
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Comment on Slate Auto to offer modular electric vehicle pickup for $20k with EV Tax Credit in ~transport
tea_spirit LinkThis is so close for me. I want a small (cheap!) 2D truck to make hauling firewood and home DIY materials easier, but it needs to have 4WD. After spending the last winter fighting my steep...This is so close for me. I want a small (cheap!) 2D truck to make hauling firewood and home DIY materials easier, but it needs to have 4WD. After spending the last winter fighting my steep driveway with our tiny FWD sedans, I’m desperate for anything a little more suited to the snow and ice.
I don’t want to buy a new truck and I don’t want to spend a ton of money on something I’m not driving every day, but the used market is still rough. I’d buy a Kei truck if I could, but this would be cool to try out for the price. I can’t believe how expensive new trucks are today, and the cheapest options don’t even have a 2D option. I don’t want a “family vehicle”, I just need a tool!
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
tea_spirit Link ParentReally happy to hear you enjoyed Paper Mario so much; it’s one of my favorite games of all time. I’ve been putting off playing the remake until I had some solid free time, but I finally caved...Really happy to hear you enjoyed Paper Mario so much; it’s one of my favorite games of all time. I’ve been putting off playing the remake until I had some solid free time, but I finally caved yesterday and I’m so excited to relive the adventure.
The soundtrack has always been good, but I’m already kinda blown away by the new versions. Can’t wait to hear what they’ve done with some of those boss tracks!
Did you have a favorite chapter now that you’ve finished the game? I don’t know if I can decide between 3, 4, or 5, personally. Speaking of, what color Yoshi did you get?
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Comment on What's the oldest tech you use, and why do you still use it? in ~tech
tea_spirit LinkNothing crazy, but I prefer playing Pokémon games on my old DSi. I’ve got a 3DS (and access to emulators on all kinds of devices), but something about the profile and hardware of my original DSi...Nothing crazy, but I prefer playing Pokémon games on my old DSi. I’ve got a 3DS (and access to emulators on all kinds of devices), but something about the profile and hardware of my original DSi just makes it feel like the best way to play the Gen 4/5 games, which happen to be my favorites as well.
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Comment on Save Point: A game deal roundup for the week of November 24 in ~games
tea_spirit Link ParentNice catch, that’s the lowest price ever for TOTK. Finally gonna pick it up, thanks!Nice catch, that’s the lowest price ever for TOTK. Finally gonna pick it up, thanks!
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Comment on What programming/technical projects have you been working on? in ~comp
tea_spirit Link ParentSounds like a neat little project! Always nice to have proper motivation to build something new. I don’t see a lot of River users around, but I’ve been giving it a shot on my dev machine for the...Sounds like a neat little project! Always nice to have proper motivation to build something new.
I don’t see a lot of River users around, but I’ve been giving it a shot on my dev machine for the last few months. Which layout generator do you use?
rivertilehasn’t been ideal for me, but I haven’t gotten around to testing some of the other community layouts quite yet. -
Comment on Scientists are researching a device that can induce lucid dreams on demand in ~tech
tea_spirit Link ParentDo you happen to remember any of the resources you used to learn how to practice? I’ve always been interested in “encouraging” a lucid dream, but nothing’s ever worked for me. Would love to know...Do you happen to remember any of the resources you used to learn how to practice? I’ve always been interested in “encouraging” a lucid dream, but nothing’s ever worked for me. Would love to know what made it click for you.
I could always try another round of googling, if you don’t. Vaporware or not, the article’s got me motivated to try again lol
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Comment on The best robot vacuum for me is the one I hacked in ~tech
tea_spirit LinkI find it interesting that the author plainly defines Valetudo as a custom firmware replacement, whereas the project’s github page very clearly states it is not a custom firmware. The project acts...I find it interesting that the author plainly defines Valetudo as a custom firmware replacement, whereas the project’s github page very clearly states it is not a custom firmware.
The project acts as a replacement cloud, which seems far less intrusive (or risky) to me than flashing custom firmware onto the vacuum. Just surprised the author missed that relatively important piece of information.
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Comment on iOS 17 could break crucial diabetic glucose monitor alerts, manufacturer warns in ~tech
tea_spirit LinkDevil’s in the details here, but it sounds to me like the blame is on Abbott’s dev team here. Apple doesn’t just drop iOS versions out of nowhere; the beta has been out for months and developers...Devil’s in the details here, but it sounds to me like the blame is on Abbott’s dev team here. Apple doesn’t just drop iOS versions out of nowhere; the beta has been out for months and developers have had plenty of time to test and fix issues with their app.
I don’t disagree with the author suggesting that maybe not everything should be a smartphone app, but the headline reads as though Apple is breaking these devices. This sounds to me like a failing on the part of the app developers for not preparing their software for a major OS update.
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Comment on Smartwatch primarily for notifications and battery life? in ~tech
tea_spirit Link ParentMy Bangle was the only thing I’ve had shipped from the UK to the US, but it was nothing out of the ordinary. I’m pretty sure any tariffs were added onto the price at checkout, and it just arrived...My Bangle was the only thing I’ve had shipped from the UK to the US, but it was nothing out of the ordinary. I’m pretty sure any tariffs were added onto the price at checkout, and it just arrived like any other package for me.
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Comment on Smartwatch primarily for notifications and battery life? in ~tech
tea_spirit Link ParentI wouldn’t recommend it if your primary focus is fitness tracking. The ‘Recorder’ and ‘Run’ apps together work well for tracking my runs (especially with a GPS fix), but there is no built-in...I wouldn’t recommend it if your primary focus is fitness tracking. The ‘Recorder’ and ‘Run’ apps together work well for tracking my runs (especially with a GPS fix), but there is no built-in syncing of that data to your phone. You can actually view your routes on the watch though, which is nice.
I’ve read that Android devices can automatically sync their exercise logs with Gadgetbridge, but no dice on iOS. Of course, you’re free to download those files or even roll your own syncing solution if you so choose.
Maybe others here use the Bangle for other types of exercise, but I only use it for running. It works well for me personally, but I wouldn’t call it a main selling point.
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Comment on Smartwatch primarily for notifications and battery life? in ~tech
tea_spirit LinkIt’s definitely not for everyone, but I’d really like to mention the Bangle.js 2. It’s an open source, hackable smartwatch with some impressive features for the low (<$100) price. If you had a...It’s definitely not for everyone, but I’d really like to mention the Bangle.js 2. It’s an open source, hackable smartwatch with some impressive features for the low (<$100) price. If you had a Pebble watch back in the day, it’s the closest thing to a successor since they went under.
To match your points, it’s got an advertised 4 week battery life (I regularly get more than a week with the heart rate monitor on), small form factor, and no company collecting your data. Since it’s incredibly customizable and open source, you can choose exactly what data is collected and exactly where it goes. There’s no proprietary app (yet), just a web app store that you can host yourself if you’re so inclined. If you know any javascript (or want to learn), you can write your own apps or hack any existing ones to your liking. It also has an always-on, sunlight-readable screen which you didn’t mention but is possibly my favorite feature.
To be completely transparent, it’s not what I would consider a polished experience; it’s definitely a hacker’s watch. All the apps are either written by the one guy behind the project or other community members who have since contributed their own work. Functionality with Android is impressive, but iOS isn’t as good. I get notifications and can use the app store, but I can’t tie actions into my iPhone the way that Android users can.
As someone who loves tinkering with gadgets and open source software, and hates the fact that everything out there tries to steal and sell your personal data, I love my Bangle. Definitely not for someone who wants an Apple-esque experience, but you don’t need to be an engineer to get it working either. I think it’s worth a look, in any case.
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Comment on What password management solution do you use and why? in ~tech
tea_spirit LinkI also use KeePassXC, but I use Nextcloud to keep my database file synced. KeePassXC just has a simple, clean interface without any of the bloat I’ve found in some other applications. My Nextcloud...I also use KeePassXC, but I use Nextcloud to keep my database file synced. KeePassXC just has a simple, clean interface without any of the bloat I’ve found in some other applications. My Nextcloud instance is self-hosted as well, which makes me feel a lot more comfortable as my passwords aren’t being held hostage by any company or cloud service I don’t have control over.
It’s been great, no complaints. Nice quality (for a “fabric” watchband at least), the “seashell” color matches my white Duo real well, and it’s easy to take on and off. No rash either, so I’m happy. Would absolutely recommend for the price.