vicvision's recent activity
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
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Comment on What possession(s) do you have that continue to delight you every time? in ~talk
vicvision Link ParentDamn you! I've had a garagesale $10 crokinole board for years but it's in really rough shape. The pegs aren't equidistant from eachother so sitting on certain sides gives you an advantage, and the...Damn you! I've had a garagesale $10 crokinole board for years but it's in really rough shape. The pegs aren't equidistant from eachother so sitting on certain sides gives you an advantage, and the deck is more coarse than smooth. I've always wanted a quality board but could never justify it and I've since forgotten about the hobby entirely.
You unlocked that memory for me and sent me down a rabbit hole of finding the best quality and locally-made board. It arrives Dec 23rd! When my wife asks what happened I'll just point to 0d_billie :P
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Comment on What’s your “I didn’t know I needed that” item? in ~life
vicvision Link ParentI browsed thru a Reddit post during COVID (back when I was still on Reddit) and it asked 'What are some life changing items you can buy for under $50' and one of the first responses was a bidet...I browsed thru a Reddit post during COVID (back when I was still on Reddit) and it asked 'What are some life changing items you can buy for under $50' and one of the first responses was a bidet attachment for your toilet seat. Although skeptical at first, after reading many positive comments (and recently suffering a TP shortage) I figured I'd give it a go. I ordered a cheap one on Amazon, and after it arrived and I wiped down the packaging I installed it and fell in love.
My daughter was very young at the time and would constantly jump onto the seat and loosen the bolts. After several months I knew bidets would forever be a part of my life so I went to Costco and grabbed a decent bidet seat for $100. The added stability of having the seat built in was a substantial upgrade. Still cold water, no drying or heater seat but still amazing.
Then recently I received an email from Costco with an $800 unit for $360 off. Heated seat, warm water, drying, looks amazing. My wife just told me it arrived at the door today. I'm super excited.
I imagine a day when I finally save up and buy an entire bidet toilet. I'm not sure what features I'll be missing to justify that though. Soothing music? Mood lighting? Noise cancelling? A little net to catch and prevent splashback? Stool sampling and dietary recommendations? I dunno, maybe I'm not meant to feel so pampered. But a guy can dream..
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Comment on What does it mean to you to be a human? in ~life
vicvision LinkLove, sex, connection. Then on a more primal level, eat, sleep, sex. Sex there twice because it can fill both a primal urge, but also a vulnerable sharing and coming together as one (no pun...Love, sex, connection. Then on a more primal level, eat, sleep, sex. Sex there twice because it can fill both a primal urge, but also a vulnerable sharing and coming together as one (no pun intended).
I don't have a very productive answer for such a broad question, but as it urges me to think about it more philosophically, I'll simply share a video I saw recently from CJ the X that is tangentially related to my experiences as Human™.
CJ can be a bit long winded and an acquired taste but I absolutely love their passion and humour and always enjoy the meandering journey thru their psyche. Parasocial relationships are real. Also if you enjoy their brand of neuroticism, CJ's breakdown of Bo Burnham's Inside is probably my all-time favourite video on the Internet.
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Comment on What’s your “I didn’t know I needed that” item? in ~life
vicvision Link ParentIt'll be the first thing I buy when my cat diesIt'll be the first thing I buy when my cat dies
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Comment on What’s your “I didn’t know I needed that” item? in ~life
vicvision Link ParentGreat idea! I'll just add that my chef buddy suggested the same thing but insisted I get a wooden holder instead of the cheaper ones with exposed magnets as they can actually dull or even damage...Consider a Magnetic Knife Holder for Wall if there is mounting space on a wall... ...and then you can slap it back on without worrying about dulling the knife even further.
Great idea! I'll just add that my chef buddy suggested the same thing but insisted I get a wooden holder instead of the cheaper ones with exposed magnets as they can actually dull or even damage your knives depending on how enthusiastically you 'slap' them back on.
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Comment on 2024 Spotify Wrapped thread in ~music
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Comment on Do you get bored? in ~talk
vicvision LinkI think about this often in the context of parenting our 10 year old. I believe it depends alot on a person's personality as well as level of self-control. For example are you the type of person...I think about this often in the context of parenting our 10 year old. I believe it depends alot on a person's personality as well as level of self-control. For example are you the type of person who can take a random nap during a slow day, or do you feel anxious about wasting time. There's obviously also a privilege component, some people simply don't have a spare moment to feel bored.
As an only child my kid rarely gets bored, but not for lack of opportunity. She has use of my wife's old phone (wifi only) but it's limited to an hour per day. As a PC gamer I also handed down my old gaming rig which remains locked until permission is granted (when a block of time becomes available and her behaviour has been acceptable). Otherwise we share the single tv in our livingroom with adults having priority over content choice.
When my kid would get bored she instead opts to roleplay with toys, read, play with the cat, or draw and colour. These moments are admittedly fairly rare as she is very busy with activities like soccer and bouldering, we don't force them at all, they are her interests and she wants to do them.
I'd like to claim credit for her ability to stay productive and not succumb to boredom but honestly I don't know how much is nature or nurture. Given unfettered access to her PC for example, she could happily waste away 5 hours watching shorts and playing Roblox. I don't expect kids to have that level of self-control though, I still struggle with that as an adult.
I am worried about the next few years as she'll get her own phone and laptop for school. I wonder how to help her make that transition to unlimited access and content.
I rarely feel bored anymore. My life is infinitely more busy and pc gaming as a hobby will happily devour any extra time I can spare. I do try and challenge myself as much as possible and acknowledge these small victories. If I get takeout, I'll resist the urge to pull out my phone while waiting, instead making a conscious effort to be present and open to making eye contact or even conversation. Elevator rides, waiting for appointments, in line at the grocery store.. there are plenty of small moments where I fight with myself to remain present and feel momentarily bored, and though sometimes anxiety-inducing, I usually walk away feeling more grounded and happy.
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Comment on Tildes Game Giveaway: June/July 2024 in ~games
vicvision Link ParentI was a previous winner (thanks!) but would also love to play Turok again. I played it on N64 25 years ago and remember it fondly.I was a previous winner (thanks!) but would also love to play Turok again. I played it on N64 25 years ago and remember it fondly.
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Comment on Tildes Game Giveaway: June/July 2024 in ~games
vicvision Link ParentThanks for doing this! I'll put 3 in Stray Gods and 2 in Art of RallyThanks for doing this!
I'll put 3 in Stray Gods and 2 in Art of Rally
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Comment on Discussing AI music - examples and some thoughts in ~tech
vicvision Link ParentThis made me think of art in the context of 3D printing. Can a printed piece be considered art? Though they didn't craft it by hand like a carving, it is a direct representation of an artistic...But that argument does make me wonder, about whether that cuts off the possibility of realizing a tool by which one's ability to write could produce increasingly complex renderings to the point that it is equal to traditional production methods
This made me think of art in the context of 3D printing. Can a printed piece be considered art? Though they didn't craft it by hand like a carving, it is a direct representation of an artistic vision.
Now you could argue that directly designing in CAD is not analogous to entering prompts for generation, but in some ways I feel CAD is 'generating' geometry points for you. For example you aren't specifying which individual pixels to print around a curve, you have CAD generate the curve for you based on prompts. In the same way I feel AI music generation could advance to a point where it could feel as natural as asking CAD to curve a corner with a set radius. Maybe not to design an entire song for you, but more as a productivity tool within a DAW or something.
Anyway thanks for the discussion. I haven't considered these ideas before.
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Comment on How does one engage in criticism of Israel without stooping to anti-semitic tropes? in ~talk
vicvision LinkI completely agree (other than your use of the word control, I would prefer 'influence' plus Unkz comment about AIPAC). I read the weekly Israel War on Gaza threads and am often disgusted by some...I completely agree (other than your use of the word control, I would prefer 'influence' plus Unkz comment about AIPAC). I read the weekly Israel War on Gaza threads and am often disgusted by some of the bad faith arguments I see there. I don't have the time or energy to argue with people who only care to further push an agenda, but often feel bad for not showing solidarity with those I agree with.
I lost a friend who vehemently argued criticizing Israel's policies in the slightest was anti-Semitic. I was shocked and expressed how I was upset they could consider me racist given my broadly multicultural friend group and immigrant wife, plus my overall world views and values regarding community, love and empathy. They responded with an explanation of how anti-Semitism isn't your run-of-the-mill racism but actually much worse. Now I'm not in the business of 'grading' different racisms, but that seems to me something a racist would argue, as then shown thru his other comments (Palestinians (and Arabs) are barbarians, all their woman do is pump out babies, they are inherently anti-Semitic, lies about raped and beheaded babies, etc etc etc).
On a bit of a side note I do appreciate renaming the Weekly Gaza thread and agree with sparksbet's reasoning.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
vicvision Link ParentI played Tinykin and loved it. I played exclusively on Steam Deck and it ran flawlessly. Steam says 8 hrs played. After beating the game I briefly considered looking for 100% but quickly decided...I played Tinykin and loved it. I played exclusively on Steam Deck and it ran flawlessly. Steam says 8 hrs played. After beating the game I briefly considered looking for 100% but quickly decided against it and it was the right choice. Recommended!
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Comment on Eminem - Houdini (2024) in ~music
vicvision Link ParentWhat a blast from the past! Thank you for unlocking that memory for me. Underground hip hop compilation albums were a bit of a thing back in the 90s. I loved Lyricist Lounge and New York State of...What a blast from the past! Thank you for unlocking that memory for me. Underground hip hop compilation albums were a bit of a thing back in the 90s. I loved Lyricist Lounge and New York State of Rhyme. I'm more familiar with the first Soundbombing album but heard II as well, strange but I don't remember that Em track on that album! It's very Slim Shady and well done especially given it's age. I also love hearing El-P in Company Flow.
Eminem obviously has many bangers but my favourite is probably Lucky You or his feature on Royce Da 5'9" 's Caterpillar
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Comment on What is a value or belief you have that is extremely outside the norm? in ~talk
vicvision Link ParentI can definitely see how being in an art gallery in person could help with the connection. I've been to a few in my life and on rare occasions felt moved by specific pieces, maybe that's the...I can definitely see how being in an art gallery in person could help with the connection. I've been to a few in my life and on rare occasions felt moved by specific pieces, maybe that's the perspective I'm missing here. I choose movies based on what I expect to enjoy and can sometimes feel disappointed when they don't deliver, I've possibly been approaching art in this same way expecting everything to speak to me. Maybe it's more about finding a single piece that I connect with rather than expecting to be entertained.
I really appreciate architecture and am regularly moved by immense construction projects. When I was in Paris 20 years ago I opted to skip seeing the Mona Lisa to instead take a train to visit a nearby castle. I recently returned from Vegas and although I dislike what the city represents (the trip was my wife's idea) I couldn't help but be in awe of the grandeur on display there. Angkor Wat in Cambodia was another powerful place for me.
I lean more towards being in support of AI art but am skeptical about the ability of the current tech to think outside of it's own box. As it is (as I understand it) AI learns exclusively from sampling existing art so that any new work will inevitably land inside the Venn circle of pre-existing human-made art. Iterations on iterations still fall within existing frameworks. I am cautiously optimistic of an AI that can truly innovate and create new styles and even forms of art not yet conceived.
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Comment on What is a value or belief you have that is extremely outside the norm? in ~talk
vicvision Link ParentThis is an interesting topic for me as I find myself landing somewhere in the middle on this. I relate entirely with JCAPER's first paragraph where I appreciate the effort and specialization...This is an interesting topic for me as I find myself landing somewhere in the middle on this. I relate entirely with JCAPER's first paragraph where I appreciate the effort and specialization required to produce works but don't necessarily attribute any special or Holy value to it. I don't revere a painting or sculpture any more than a pro drywaller who can make tape seams disappear or the tech at the body shop who makes my vehicle look like new. I am utterly unimpressed with abstract paintings or even the Mona Lisa. I'll concede there could be exceptions with things like singers with a unique voice or people with seemingly superhuman talent like Stevie Ray Vaughan at guitar. Otherwise I feel that with enough practice most art can be sufficiently replicated.
There is something to be said for claiming 'First' I suppose. I remember several times back in my Reddit days when I'd stumble upon a meme or picture and appreciate the skill or commitment, only to find out it was a repost. It instantly felt stripped of the esteem I had bestowed upon it, reducing it to a worthless copy or worse, devaluing the original art they stole from. Of course the art hadn't changed, just the 'creator'. In that sense I'm not sure I could view a modern recreation of for example the Mona Lisa (even using similar tools/materials) with the same appreciation.
This is where I'm torn on AI art. It's trained on existing art and would be nothing without it, even an 'original' art piece is derived from stolen (borrowed?) works. I appreciate AI art and also discount it as a sort of repost, and I struggle to square these ideas. I also consider myself more scientist than artist, and all science is built off the foundations laid before us.
Finally the fact that art is fundamentally subjective makes these points feel moot. As I'm not an artist and have no horse in the race, and the AI cat is already out of the bag...
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Comment on Tesla recalls Cybertrucks over accelerator crash risk in ~transport
vicvision Link ParentI suppose this really depends on your definition of the word 'Normies'. I would personally consider normies as people who don't care about electric cars, especially in 2017 when Tesla attracted...Definitely true. Normies have better things to worry about.
I suppose this really depends on your definition of the word 'Normies'. I would personally consider normies as people who don't care about electric cars, especially in 2017 when Tesla attracted more tech savvy and often more progressive and socially conscious consumers.
Now you're in conspiracy land. Outside of a few loonies, the people who buy new Teslas are those who heard Tesla was the hot electric car company in 2017 and then never checked the state of the industry. Tesla had already cemented itself as THE electric car company for them.
I'm failing to see the conspiracy. Anecdotally I know a few people who were previously indifferent to Musk pre-X who now praise and support him specifically for his anti-trans views. They have discussed buying Teslas for this reason. If you met or knew them you'd be hard pressed to consider them anything other than 'Normies', not the loonies you're describing.
I can imagine a scenario where someone can be disconnected from the news and completely absent from social or traditional media, thereby missing any of this political context of the last six years. I know people like this, though I'd argue buying electric vehicles is not something they remotely care about.
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Comment on Tesla recalls Cybertrucks over accelerator crash risk in ~transport
vicvision Link ParentAgreed. It was Elon's public image that originally drew me to Tesla years ago. He seemed genuinely interested in shaking up and improving the industries he was involved in and I saw potential in...Agreed. It was Elon's public image that originally drew me to Tesla years ago. He seemed genuinely interested in shaking up and improving the industries he was involved in and I saw potential in spacex as a vehicle for advancing space exploration.
It's interesting to think if Elon had been more restrained in the public sharing of his ideas I may still have been a supporter of his companies. Surely there are plenty of other companies with problematic CEOs that I don't worry about because I'm not constantly exposed to their insane thoughts and whims. I don't believe consumer-side activism works and instead look to regulation and enforcement of white collar crime laws (pipe dream I know) to keep these lunatics reigned in.
As Elon has continued to show his cards, promoting anti-Semitic posts and unblocking Nazi accounts, being anti workers rights and anti trans and anti 'woke', making tech promises with long past delivery dates that never materialized (boring tunnels, AI Android, electric big rigs, Mars mission...), etc. I've gone from low-key fanboy to having disdain for this thin-skinned man who is less genius and more just lucky as he continuously fails upward.
I know better than to assign Elon's values to all Tesla owners as many of them purchased before his public transformation, but i couldn't help but feel that new owners not only are indifferent to his policies but actually buying to vice-signal them. Like it or not his public persona is now part and parcel with the Tesla brand.
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Comment on Any RSS feed recommendations that aren't news? in ~tech
vicvision Link ParentThis was amazing, thank you! I'm all set up and look forward to exploring new content and ideas.This was amazing, thank you! I'm all set up and look forward to exploring new content and ideas.
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Comment on Any RSS feed recommendations that aren't news? in ~tech
vicvision Link ParentHoping you don't mind me asking here, surely some googling could net me a decent answer but since we're here... I love this idea! Moving away from Reddit last year to Tildes has been such a...Hoping you don't mind me asking here, surely some googling could net me a decent answer but since we're here...
I love this idea! Moving away from Reddit last year to Tildes has been such a freeing experience. I don't doom scroll anymore. I enjoy the closer knit feeling of this community and get more from the comments here. I also use Ground News for my news but sometimes find the lack of comments frustrating as my inner monologue processes the absurdity of some of the stories.
RSS feeds sound right up my alley and remind me of the old newsgroups I browsed in the 90's. So I guess my questions are: what are RSS feeds to you and why do like them? Also, what programs/apps do you use? I'm not necessarily looking for a step by step tutorial but as you've clearly put some time and thought into this I'm just hoping to glean some insight into how to approach it. Thanks!
The...taint? Does that make New Year's Eve the year's butthole? Or is it Christmas? Bah humbug.
I also loved the Indy movies and have been disappointed with the IP. I picked up the game after positive reviews came in. I'm only an hour in but I'm really enjoying it so far.
Running on a 4070ti at 1440P and it's running great on ultra, after turning RT back off. It's my first RT capable card so I was excited to try it but it couldn't keep up, hovering around 40fps even with frame generation and dlss. With RT off it runs like a dream.