vicvision's recent activity
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Comment on What are your favorite music videos? in ~music
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Comment on Where do you all get your news from? How do you work to avoid echo chambers and propaganda? in ~life
vicvision Link ParentAgreed I generalized a little too much, mostly in the service of brevity. There are different interpretations of terms like Christian or Nazi. Nazi can be meant literally or more generally as...Agreed I generalized a little too much, mostly in the service of brevity. There are different interpretations of terms like Christian or Nazi. Nazi can be meant literally or more generally as neo-Nazi or even fascist.
For example while I wouldn't call people in support of Trump's immigration policy of sending Americans without due process to a concentration camp in another country as Nazi's, it certainly is fascist and straight out of Hitler's playbook. For many people it's a distinction without a difference.
Likewise Christian is often seen more broadly as representing white religiosity in America. Westborough Baptist Church or Mega churches can easily represent Christians, whether you feel it's an unfair characterization or not. At the end of the day, to the uninitiated, it feels like there are more similarities than differences, and your personal feelings on the prosperity gospel are not likely to affect your views on gays.
I didn't intend to pick on Christianity specifically other than responding to a comment, and I do recognize other religions have equally troubling views. I've known many people from different religions and have seen their tolerance for acceptance be generally tied to their level of education and material conditions. I don't find it useful to compare the religions of impoverished third world countries with Americans living in the richest country on earth; they haven't had the same privilege of caring about social issues when they struggle to feed their families. But I do agree, the larger issue seems to be religious conservatism more than Christianity individually.
It brings me back to a conversation I had with a very friendly and thoughtful coworker who was surprised to hear I wasn't a proud Christian. He seemed flabbergasted that I didn't believe in his exact beliefs, and questioned my source of morality. He asked what was to stop me from raping and murdering if not the fear of eternal damnation. I simply answered empathy, but the thought seemed to escape him. It was sad to witness, and felt very much like a self-report; that the only thing keeping him moral was his religion.
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Comment on SaGa Emerald Beyond joins Vampire Survivors in ~games
vicvision Link ParentI agree about the branded add-ons, but this DLC is actually free! Just add it to your account.I agree about the branded add-ons, but this DLC is actually free! Just add it to your account.
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Comment on Where do you all get your news from? How do you work to avoid echo chambers and propaganda? in ~life
vicvision (edited )Link@crissequeira I started writing a response to your comment and accidentally pressed send before I was ready, then panicked and deleted it seconds later. Now I can no longer comment or edit...@crissequeira I started writing a response to your comment and accidentally pressed send before I was ready, then panicked and deleted it seconds later. Now I can no longer comment or edit directly so I'll have to write here. As such sadly this will now be an abridged version of my larger thoughts.
You seem to make being Christian a large part of your identity. I really appreciate your willingness to venture out and seek contrarian views but still find it odd how defensive you seem to be about perceived attacks on Christianity.
...it already gave me a headache to follow right-leaning outlets, because of all the negativity and the hate (directed at the other side). Now imagine me reading all the same negativity and hate, but I, a Christian, am the target of it, because allegedly, all Christians are homophobic, transphobic, sexist, and Nazis by default
I try my best to consume a wide diet of news and also supplement with a Ground News subscription (which has its own issues as described elsewhere in this thread). I very much agree about the hate directed to the left, but haven't actually noticed any hate directed at Christians from the left or otherwise. I want to confirm that you're referring specifically to mainstream news here (as is the theme in this thread)? Christianity being the dominant religion in America, I've seen virtually no anti-Christian views expressed anywhere in media. Now if you're talking about small or independent operations, public opinion or online discourse then yes I've seen plenty of it there.
It's obviously not true that every Christian is homophobic, transphobic, sexist or Nazis. I've known many wonderful Christians who were thoughtful and empathetic and accepting (same for Muslims, Jews, atheists etc). But if you point to someone who IS homophobic, transphobic, sexist or a Nazi, you can almost guarantee they are a Christian (at least in America where, again, Christianity is the dominant religion).
For me, this doesn't directly speak to who you are as a Christian person (I'm sure you're wonderful) but more to where the culture is moving to more generally. If you care about these negative and valid perceptions then it's on the good ones to advocate for good and to push back on the bad within the group, otherwise it feels like complicity.
This was exemplified perfectly for me by the recent Surrounded video with Sam Seder. The blonde Christian nationalist girl says the quiet part out loud. She may not speak for you, but I haven't heard an outspoken alternative to that narrative.
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Comment on What are your goto cocktails? in ~food
vicvision LinkMy favourite drink is a Long Island Iced Tea. It can cost over $150 to get started but it goes a long way. Besides tasting great it also sits around 22% alcohol so it feels good too hah. On a side...My favourite drink is a Long Island Iced Tea. It can cost over $150 to get started but it goes a long way. Besides tasting great it also sits around 22% alcohol so it feels good too hah.
On a side note I just wanted to share this Kickstarter which I have no ties to, I'm just a backer and I'm really hoping it succeeds as I want to give it as a gift to my wife. She loves making cocktails, I'm more into drinking them :P, otherwise I'll more likely just crack open a sour or a Hefeweizen.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
vicvision Link ParentCongrats on finishing Proverbs! It's great to see Ziggurat II mentioned here, I played it alot and forgot about it until now. Steam says I have 86 hours into it and I don't remember 'beating' it,...Congrats on finishing Proverbs!
It's great to see Ziggurat II mentioned here, I played it alot and forgot about it until now. Steam says I have 86 hours into it and I don't remember 'beating' it, if that's even possible.
For anyone considering it, I'll just copy my Steam review here:
Really enjoyed the first Ziggurat so I figured I'd give the second a try. It seems to have improved in every way. I really like the new graphics, feels smoother, everything can now be upgraded, and even some light story elements now. Early Access info says its about 50% content-wise which is fantastic because it could already pass as a complete bug-free game. Only complaint I have right now is NEED MORE BOSSES but EA so yeah. Give this a try.
Update: Regular and substantial updates have really made this game shine. There are now plenty of bosses and enemies and surely more to come. Perk and weapon selection are already ridiculous and even they keep getting more added.
Turn the music off, pop on your favourite tunes and kick some ass. I am nowhere near being done with this game and it keeps getting better.
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Comment on The obscure world of competitive Ultimate Chicken Horse in ~games
vicvision LinkThis reminds me alot of the Summoning Salt YouTube channel, almost suspiciously so. Interesting that the channel has UCH in the channel name, and a year later this is still it's only video. Thanks...This reminds me alot of the Summoning Salt YouTube channel, almost suspiciously so. Interesting that the channel has UCH in the channel name, and a year later this is still it's only video. Thanks for the share.
If you like this style of video, or are interested in speed running, I highly recommend Summoning Salt.
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Comment on Post something from your notes app in ~talk
vicvision LinkI have 2. ...andI have 2.
_Grubs _
BTK (ingredient)
Scott's Grub Control
Late July/August
1 application, 1 more application 7-10 days later...and
Karaoke
Toni Braxton - unbreak my heart
Chicago - hard to say
Stone sour - wicked game acoustic live
It's been awhile
Audio slave I am the highway
Incubus drive
Shine down simple man
Yesterday Beatles
It must have been love
Lawrence - guy I used to be -
Comment on TV Tuesdays Free Talk in ~tv
vicvision Link ParentParty Down came out 16 years ago in 2009, a few years later than I thought. Given that, it was actually 14 years between season 2 and 3. Apologies. Do you have thoughts on my comment otherwise? Or...Party Down came out 16 years ago in 2009, a few years later than I thought. Given that, it was actually 14 years between season 2 and 3. Apologies.
Do you have thoughts on my comment otherwise? Or were you just offended by my mistaken characterization of 14 years as 'almost 20'? Jeez I also don't use spell check, hopefully I didn't misspell anything... Tough crowd.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
vicvision LinkI've been playing Crokinole. It's a really fun Canadian dexterity game that has you flicking wooden discs towards the center of a board. It's a bit complicated to explain the rules but is not...I've been playing Crokinole. It's a really fun Canadian dexterity game that has you flicking wooden discs towards the center of a board. It's a bit complicated to explain the rules but is not unlike the ice game curling; where shuffleboard is a mini tabletop version of curling, Crokinole has you sitting around a round board doing something similar.
I originally found a cheap board at a garage sale years ago and fell in love with it. The board was in rough shape and didn't come with pieces so I repurposed an old checkers set but it worked. I always intended to pick up a proper board but after our kid was born it was all but forgotten.
I recently purchased a proper tournament quality board made in Quebec and what a difference! It even came with speed sand similar to shuffleboard and it feels like a totally different game now.
I love wooden and dexterity games so Crokinole is right up my alley, but I actually found it as a poor-weather game for when I can't be outside playing Kubb.
Kubb is tons of fun and a great way to bring people together. We love bringing it to BBQs, the beach or camping. You can play with 2-12 people and like many things can be more fun with beers. We have some house rules to make it more exciting like allowing trashtalk/twerking while the opponent throws, and the stacking of field kubbs if they touch when you throw them.
You can find a set for under $100 or make your own like I did for my first set for under $50.
I'm eagerly awaiting good weather to play Kubb!
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
vicvision Link ParentLol well I hope you enjoy that time at least. As I mentioned World of Art gets very cheap on sale so I'd wait for that one. Everyday Genius is an old title and always cheap. Bonus points for World...Lol well I hope you enjoy that time at least. As I mentioned World of Art gets very cheap on sale so I'd wait for that one. Everyday Genius is an old title and always cheap.
Bonus points for World of Art for having an adult only Nudity DLC that lets me feel like a deviant while actually just serving tasteful centuries-old nudes. This ain't your grandson's furry or brony puzzle game hah
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Comment on TV Tuesdays Free Talk in ~tv
vicvision Link ParentI recently watched season 1 of Severance and loved it. I really enjoy Adam Scott as an actor, especially his hilarious role in Stepbrothers. It reminded me that almost 20 years ago I watched him...I recently watched season 1 of Severance and loved it. I really enjoy Adam Scott as an actor, especially his hilarious role in Stepbrothers. It reminded me that almost 20 years ago I watched him in a dry comedy called Party Down that I remember enjoying and always meant to rewatch.
After Severance I started Only Murders In The Building. It's been a fun enough ride that manages to pull me back in just as I'm considering dropping it.
Only Murders has Jane Lynch in it. She's an actor I'm always happy to see. Usually in smaller or quirky roles, I enjoy her style of humor. Trying to recall which iconic role she was in, I took to IMDB and realised (not only that it was The 40 Year Old Virgin I was thinking of, but) she was also in Party Down, and that they apparently released a season 3 in 2023, almost 20 years later?!?
So yeah, after Only Murders I'll be re/watching Party Down, and by then Severance season 2 should be complete and ready.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
vicvision Link ParentThis is a great explanation, thanks for putting the feeling into words! I usually have a game like this going in the background at any given time, though I'll usually take turns either reaching...This is a great explanation, thanks for putting the feeling into words! I usually have a game like this going in the background at any given time, though I'll usually take turns either reaching that flow state you described or using it as a sort of fidget/busy toy to play with while I listen to news or a podcast or watch something on my second monitor.
My last game like this was Everyday Genius and it was absolutely gigantic, I didn't finish it as much as just lost interest. I'll likely return to it one day, I'm still not close to getting all achievements and had once deluded myself into thinking I'd eventually do it, maybe if I can ever afford to retire lol.
After getting 100% on Proverbs I looked for something else to fill that void and landed on World of Art. The puzzles are all classical masterpiece paintings and the soundtrack is classical music. The full bundle is almost $50 but I got it during the last Steam sale for around $10. I'm enjoying it.
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Comment on Texas officials report that an unvaccinated child has died of measles in ~health
vicvision Link ParentI appreciate this. I feel like maybe we're talking about two different things though. Firstly, growing up I would have been considered right wing. As I matured and had a child I learned empathy...I appreciate this. I feel like maybe we're talking about two different things though.
Firstly, growing up I would have been considered right wing. As I matured and had a child I learned empathy and took a much more centrist position, though given the Overton window shifting right I'm sure I come off as a raging commie now.
I'm neither a Democrat or American. I consider the current position of the right wing in America as full authoritarian. Democrats are about as pro corporation, centrist status quo as they could get.
When you say 'left-leaning people' i don't know if you're counting me in that categorization or are speaking more broadly. There are plenty of conservative ideas I can get behind but when "owning the libs" takes the form of celebrating Nazi salutes and genital inspections in middle schools then I think they've completely lost the plot.
If they get information to the contrary they don't just reject it because it's convenient, but because if they were to accept it it would be agonizing. They will have to re-evalutate even their own self-image, possibly having to come to terms with the fact that their assertion that they are a good person might not be true.
I completely agree with this and understand the difficulty. It in no way makes them not wrong or not bad people mind you (or in the context of this thread, their child not dead), just that they let identity politics become such an integral part of their personality that it's easier to stay the course than engage in any meaningful self-reflection.
So part of why people look to these bad authorities is because they are looking for people who reinforce their world view. It's the reason why people like Jordan Peterson or Andrew Tate get attention in spite of being terrible people. "They can't be that bad, they also believe my deeply personal beliefs!" But this is not a dumb person thing, this is a human thing. Every single person does this.
This is where I disagree. I used to listen to Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan and I did agree with alot they said. As they strayed more away from their positive messaging, I started to stray from them. I don't look for a hugbox, I look to be challenged, because I realize no one has all the answers including myself. If that curiosity isn't human then so be it.
Look, if you're arguing for a way to change hearts and minds, to make a difference culturally and politically, then you're absolutely right, expressing these sentiments won't do that, it'll make them dig in deeper, which is how America is where it is today. So... Do you have any thoughts on how 'left-leaning' people could do it right? Because I don't have any ideas.
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Comment on Texas officials report that an unvaccinated child has died of measles in ~health
vicvision Link ParentWhy not both? I was told many things coming up that would have been easier to believe, but ended up not being true or at the very least gross oversimplifications. We didn't have the Internet to...Why not both? I was told many things coming up that would have been easier to believe, but ended up not being true or at the very least gross oversimplifications. We didn't have the Internet to instantly fact check things so more rigorous research and discussion was required. I resisted many ideas that conveniently explained complicated issues including things like all Indians (indigenous) are alcoholics without discussions of generational trauma and residential schools, like MLMs and the suspiciously triangle shape of their organisations, like how women belong barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen without thought to them having any opinions or agency... and most recently about COVID and the jab without any curiosity about why, if it was poison for the sheeple, were all the rich, powerful and politicians clamoring to be first in line to get it.
I lost several friends along the way to these rabbit holes, to reactionary thinking and the demonization of others, being immigrants, the poor, women, authority, etc. It is on some level a lack of critical thinking. Of questioning what you're told. Who is the authority telling them to question other authorities?
I also realize you likely agree with alot of this and I do get your larger point about it coming from an outside source, from an authority on the matter, and they are largely to blame.
I truely feel it comes down to education, and the same people pushing these lies are the same demonizing public schools and pushing for charter schools and school choice like PragerU. The kinds of people who stand to directly benefit both financially and culturally from the degradation of social norms, regulations and critical thinking in general; grifters, con artists, billionaires, capital owners. But that feels like a different discussion.
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Comment on Texas officials report that an unvaccinated child has died of measles in ~health
vicvision Link ParentAccording to this Infectious Diseases Society of America article: "Complications occur in 3 in 10 who get measles, and young children are especially vulnerable. Ear infections and diarrhea are the...According to this Infectious Diseases Society of America article:
"Complications occur in 3 in 10 who get measles, and young children are especially vulnerable. Ear infections and diarrhea are the most common, but as many as 1 in 20 will get pneumonia; about 1 in 1,000 will have brain swelling that can cause deafness and intellectual disability; and nearly 3 in 1,000 will die."
Those risks feel more serious to me than you're presenting them but I haven't looked into it further than a quick Google search and a strong recommendation from my pediatrician to get my own kid vaccinated (which I did).
I get no glee from these stories and am not a frequenter of face eating subreddit (at least since the IPO and my jump to Tildes), the connection was a tangent and I probably could have left out my second paragraph entirely.
That said your question about justice is a good one. If their child dies should there be charges laid? I agree that the death of a child is already probably enough of a punishment. What if later they lose a second child? Or a second child gets brain swelling and an intellectual disability? If the neighbors kids dies from measles and they still don't vaccinate? I don't have a good answer to these, but at some point this feels like child endangerment and criminal.
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Comment on Texas officials report that an unvaccinated child has died of measles in ~health
vicvision Link ParentI'm torn on this. I would certainly agree that no child deserves to die because of their parents' ignorance, but at what point are the parents responsible for making a conscious decision that...I'm torn on this.
No one deserves for their child to die
I would certainly agree that no child deserves to die because of their parents' ignorance, but at what point are the parents responsible for making a conscious decision that directly caused the death of their child. I understand they were lied to, but at what point is lack of critical thinking the fault of others.
It makes me think of plethora of Republicans right now surprised they are losing their jobs, the cost of their eggs is going up, or they're being deported. Sure they were also lied to, but I have a hard time feeling bad for the people who voted for the party of 'personal responsibility' when leopards eat faces.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
vicvision Link ParentI picked up Keep Driving and have about the same amount of playtime as you do. I've really been enjoying it but also definitely understand where you're coming from. While some of the mechanics and...I picked up Keep Driving and have about the same amount of playtime as you do. I've really been enjoying it but also definitely understand where you're coming from.
While some of the mechanics and moment-to-moment gameplay can feel shallow or forced, it very much scratches an itch for me that's hard for me to put my finger on. I think a big part of it comes down to nostalgia and vibes for me.
I've been on several road trips back in the 90s and Keep Driving does a fantastic job of recreating that feeling for me. Though we rarely had room to squeeze in hitchhikers, I do vividly remember the feeling of narrowly making it to the pump in the next town, suffering from the heat with no AC, picking up pizza and coffee, and finding new CDs to groove to.
While I wouldn't consider it my active or primary game (I'm currently playing Dead Space) it is acting as my chill game, my palate cleanser.
As I age I can no longer handle prolonged gaming sessions, my wrists hurt too much. I need to regularly gear down to give my body a break. Keep Driving fills that hole perfectly.
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Comment on I want to hear about good relationships in ~talk
vicvision LinkI've written here before about my "relatively" healthy marriage, specifically about the importance of good communication, and am not interested in rehashing that. It also just feels like a minimum...I've written here before about my "relatively" healthy marriage, specifically about the importance of good communication, and am not interested in rehashing that. It also just feels like a minimum requirement and something that is likely common for any good relationship to last.
Reading some of these responses is a great way to be reminded that healthy relationships take many forms and what works for you might not for us. It reminds me a bit of my thoughts on parenting where there's no real "right" way to do it, there are many factors involved including the personalities of your spouse and kid(s), your support network, values, spare time and even spare funds.
I love reading about the highschool sweethearts with similar interests and shared activities. Both because of the synergy of passion and repudiation of the idea that opposites attract, but also as a reminder that having that doesn't automatically mean it's perfect or even easy, that all relationships are work and good ones are worth the effort.
My wife and I are about as opposite as it gets. Short and tall. Fiery and calm. Introverted and extroverted. Panic stations and cool under pressure. Instinctual and overanalyzing. Selfless and selfish. Well put together and rough around the edges. Worried about appearances and tactless.
Our interests also vary significantly. We come from very different cultural and parenting backgrounds. It feels at times that we are just two different people and not right for eachother.
We're always learning from eachother. We help each other consider what we would otherwise dismiss, or reconsider when it's appropriate to have empathy, or think logically. We've rubbed off on each other in mostly positive ways while pushing back on the negative ones.
We also share commonalities. We share similar values. We both love family and friends, hosting parties, imparting a feeling of community. We host international students in our home. We try to help in our communities and support those around us.
This post got away from me. My quick advice is to avoid feelings of resentment at all costs. Lay your cards out on the table and play it thru. Dont let things fester, resentment can kill the strongest bonds.
Beyond that, I'll offer what I believe is the key to our relationship...
Spontaneity. We are consistently told by others that we are the busiest family they know. Parties, outings, playdates, activities... We're usually busy and it can be exhausting, but also deeply rewarding. It makes vacations feel more deserved, makes friendships feel important while fleeting, makes you appreciate the big and the small. It makes downtime feel rewarding.
Maintaining a healthy relationship is alot of work but worth it. It models positive behavior to our kid and community, with the amazing benefit of attracting other positive people to our lives. It becomes contagious, addictive. Spread the love!
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Comment on Canadian Tire Corporation selling Helly Hansen for close to $1.3 billion in ~finance
vicvision Link ParentWhile I understand the sentiment, I can't help but feel you're picking on cantire a bit. Are you implying they're getting worse faster than other stores? I feel that way about any box store and...While I understand the sentiment, I can't help but feel you're picking on cantire a bit. Are you implying they're getting worse faster than other stores? I feel that way about any box store and just most goods generally.
Disclaimer: I love most genres of music but coming up I always gravitated to underground hip-hop. That's what you'll find here.
So this is probably my 'favourite' music video, that's not to say it's the best.
Necro ft. I'll Bill - White Slavery (NSFW)
As an aside, the woman in that video reminds me a lot of Summer Reign, warning NOT good music, googling couldn't confirm if it's the same person.
My earliest favourite music video was
Pharcyde - Drop
It runs backwards and (I think) all in one take, very original and artistic for it's time.
Another group I loved was Mystik Journeymen. West Coast underground hip-hop from the 90s. I had bought a VHS tape of theirs which had a bunch of skits and music videos I'd never seen. Luckily someone has uploaded it to YouTube. Vying for top music video starting at 26:40 is Living Legend - Nowyouno