lupusthethird's recent activity
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Comment on Toyota’s bet on hybrids was mocked, then vindicated. Now it’s trying to repeat the trick with an unlikely bet on the combustion engine. in ~transport
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Comment on Toyota’s bet on hybrids was mocked, then vindicated. Now it’s trying to repeat the trick with an unlikely bet on the combustion engine. in ~transport
lupusthethird (edited )LinkI'm likely going with a Toyota as my next car as a result of this. Personally I'm not a fan of EVs, as I don't think that the EV experience can match ICEs right now. I go on a lot of road trips...I'm likely going with a Toyota as my next car as a result of this. Personally I'm not a fan of EVs, as I don't think that the EV experience can match ICEs right now. I go on a lot of road trips and don't like the idea of being forced to stop for 30+ minutes at charging stations -- Until charging time goes down the same amount of time it takes to fill up a gas tank, I'm not interested. I also worry about the availability of charging stations, because even where I am in the PNW (EV dominated area) they are few and far between, and are simply nonexistent in the more remote areas like the forests and mountains. Basically, I don't think the pure EVs can meet everyone's needs the same way ICE cars can, as EV technology, our infrastructure, and our way of life is just not ready for it yet. To me - PHEVs are honestly the perfect solution as they provide the best of both worlds, and I don't understand why there aren't more of them.
Though to be honest, I'm getting disillusioned with newer cars in general as more and more components are being computerized. Every time I rent a car or get a loaner, I am annoyed by having to turn off the "smart" driving features that continue to chime at me constantly - often having to turn them off every time I start the vehicle because they are on by default and the toggle isn't saved (Grrrr!). My dream car today would actually be if a manufacturer made a "dumb" ICE car, with just the basic required components for driving and moderate comforts, all controls being physical and mechanical. Instead I'm stuck buying aging 80s-90s cars that are quickly becoming more expensive to find parts for.
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Comment on What is the greatest movie franchise ever? in ~movies
lupusthethird LinkHannibal Lecter franchise... Manhunter (1986), The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Hannibal (2001), Red Dragon (2002), Hannibal Rising (2007) Last two are just slightly above average in my opinion...Hannibal Lecter franchise... Manhunter (1986), The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Hannibal (2001), Red Dragon (2002), Hannibal Rising (2007)
Last two are just slightly above average in my opinion though.
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Comment on 3D printing - A beginner's observations and some practical applications in ~creative
lupusthethird LinkI have multiple 3d printers now, but started with a DLP resin printer about 7 years ago, mostly with the intention of printing minis for tabletop games. The learning curve for resin printing, at...If you have a 3D printer, how deep in the rabbit hole are you? Are you making your own CAD files?
I have multiple 3d printers now, but started with a DLP resin printer about 7 years ago, mostly with the intention of printing minis for tabletop games. The learning curve for resin printing, at least at the time, was incredibly steep - mostly from learning how to get the exposure settings correct based on the resin properties, and to properly orient and support models. While FDM printers need to worry about the latter, for resin printing it is absolutely critical not just to support islands but to consider the suction and adhesion forces on the FEP based on how your model is oriented. For example - if you print a large hollow shape, you may need to create vent or drain holes in the model in strategic locations, otherwise the suction may be strong enough that the print is pulled from the build plate or you may end up with liquid resin trapped inside the piece after it is done. Each print requires so much pre-processing that it is exhausting. This may have improved with all the software updates and whatnot over the years, but I am still kicking with my OG printer and haven't felt the need to upgrade yet. Here's a summary of my overly complicated workflow though: Make or obtain STL > in Meshmixer, orient to minimize suction and islands/supports, hollow, add vents > in B9 creator, manually add supports to all islands > slice the STL > import the sliced file to a "validator" program that checks for islands and flags them to attention > correct any issues and re-slice
Anyways... most resin printers are on the small side, so for larger prints I picked up an extra large FDM printer about a year ago. I've been struggling to adjust to the differences between the two printing methods though. FDM just has so many settings, between bed/hotend temperatures, retraction, speed, fan speed, etc - compared to having only the exposure time settings in DLP. I'm finding that getting a "successful" print is easier or more forgiving in FDM than in DLP, but getting a great looking print is nearly impossible. It may be because I'm starting on hard mode by printing only ABS, which as I understand it is much harder to do than PLA, but I prefer the stronger and more heat resistant properties of ABS, plus would like to simplify post-processing by acetone smoothing rather than sanding. On the plus side, I feel much more empowered to just print whatever I see in FDM without much thought, rather than having to excessively prepare every STL and cater it specifically to my printer and resin qualities.
For making CAD files, I mostly use TinkerCAD as I've found it to be incredibly easy to use, at least for basic functional designs where you can break them down into multiple simple shapes. Using it I've created STLs for electronics projects cases, cosplay props and jewelry, a busy board for my son, etc. I've experimented with Blender, FreeCAD, and Fusion and none were as easy to just pick up and go. I always found myself thinking "how can I do this in this program?" when I used them, pausing frequently to google how and watch tutorials, but with tinkercad it's more of a geometric puzzle of "how can I break this down into basic drop-in 3d shapes" which is less frustrating for me.
What’s your favorite print? If you don’t own a printer, what’s a cool 3D print that stands out in your mind?
I designed and printed Gourry's "Sword of Light" from the anime Slayers. It was a resin print that had to be broken into multiple pieces which were then sealed together by manually painting resin to the seams and applying a handheld UV light. The blade is semi-transparent resin with a hollowed out space for an LED strip, with an additional spot in the the hilt hollowed for the LED's control panel and batteries. The blade also detaches from the hilt assembly for easier transport. To me it's my favorite print because I designed it from scratch, beginning to end, and even now I'm still impressed that I managed to model the blade's cross-guard in Tinkercad with all of its rounded and complex shapes.
What’s a problem in your life where you think you could 3D print a solution?
Due to rising car theft in my area, I've recently decided that I need a killswitch for my vehicle. However, a hidden killswitch can quickly become useless if it is found, and is also kinda boring. Instead, the James Bond villain in me decided to make a fused panel of 8 switches that would custom fit inside my center console, and only the correct combination would allow the fuel pump and ignition to be powered. I initially wanted to have a couple of red herring switches as well that would toggle the horn, but nixed that after struggling to figure out wiring, as I'm an electronics noob and car horns require the correct polarity to function (while the other components in the assembly do not require a positive wire.) Anyways, it has since been printed in ABS with my FDM printer, with the fuses and switches all pressure fitting perfectly and tightly into place, and it's now waiting to be installed the next time I tear my interior apart.
(edits to fix quote formatting)
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Comment on Recipes for chicken thighs in ~food
lupusthethird Link ParentI'm a little late to this thread but came here to say this. I have a TON of recipes using chicken thigh - it's one of the staples of my household. But the key to them coming out juicy and tender...I'm a little late to this thread but came here to say this. I have a TON of recipes using chicken thigh - it's one of the staples of my household. But the key to them coming out juicy and tender every time is to always brine or marinate. What I do to make a batch for my family is put about 2 pounds in a big ziplock bag, add about 2 cups of soy sauce, 1 cup oyster sauce, 1/2 cup mirin or white wine, and some honey or sugar (i just go by feeling for all these measurements tbh) If the chicken still isn't covered by that amount of liquid, add water until it is. Press the air out of the bag and seal it up, stick it in the fridge for about 2-4 hours, or up to 8 if you want it more strongly flavored. When it comes time to use it, pat each piece dry, otherwise it won't form a crispy skin on the outside when you cook it.
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Comment on How are you dealing with inflation regarding everyday enjoyment? in ~life
lupusthethird LinkDespite the inflation I haven't adjusted much on everyday costs aside from quitting drinking. Instead, I am saving by learning to DIY pretty much everything in my house because I can't afford to...Despite the inflation I haven't adjusted much on everyday costs aside from quitting drinking. Instead, I am saving by learning to DIY pretty much everything in my house because I can't afford to have anything fixed by the proper professionals anymore. I've built my own workbench, mounted TVs, installed electrical sockets and sconces, repaired drywall holes, installed decorative trim molding, built various floating shelves and closet shelving all around the house. Also been learning to work on cars... changing my own oil, filters, belts, blower motor, liftgate supports, etc. As someone who's never had to do any of this before, I'm actually finding it to be incredibly satisfying. The next project is going to be renting a sod cutter and tearing up the lawn to replace it with a more maintenance-free ground cover (considering Creeping Thyme)
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Comment on What have you been eating, drinking, and cooking? in ~food
lupusthethird LinkMy wife has been craving seafood lately, and today I happened to be a few hours out of town near an amazing fishmonger that we used to live by. Bought a selection of her favorites as a surprise......My wife has been craving seafood lately, and today I happened to be a few hours out of town near an amazing fishmonger that we used to live by. Bought a selection of her favorites as a surprise... oysters, scallops, uni, ikura, and choya umeshu to drink. Served with some stir fried nagaimo in bean curd sauce and yau choy sum.
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Comment on How do you organize your phone's home screens and apps? in ~tech
lupusthethird LinkI very much love minimalistic designs, so I use Nova Launcher (paid version) for Android to make everything easier to customize. My favorite thing is that each icon has options for multiple...I very much love minimalistic designs, so I use Nova Launcher (paid version) for Android to make everything easier to customize. My favorite thing is that each icon has options for multiple customized gestures when selecting it. For example, I can have an icon for Facebook... click it to open facebook app itself, or slide up on the icon to open Messenger, or swipe down on the icon to open Instagram. This way I can consolidate my icons really easily to the bottom row or two, without compromising functionality since multiple gestures can be applied to each one.
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Comment on Have you ever "homebrewed" fermented beverages? in ~food
lupusthethird LinkI started homebrewing about 15 years ago, mostly with the intention of creating something cheap that me and my friends at the D&D table could get completely wasted on. I would throw some Lalvin...Have you ever tried homebrewing?
I started homebrewing about 15 years ago, mostly with the intention of creating something cheap that me and my friends at the D&D table could get completely wasted on. I would throw some Lalvin D47 and some sugar into a gallon jug of cider from Wal-mart, slap a balloon on the top with a hole poked in it, and let it sit for about 2 weeks before siphoning it off into a clean gallon jug. It tasted pretty terrible, but it was strong at around 13-15% and was an incredibly cost effective way to get drunk. After focusing on cider for a few years I eventually branched out into making Mead and Beer as well.
What were lessons learned?
My favorite lesson learned was when brewing an Imperial Stout about 10 years ago. I was away at work the day after I put this batch into Primary fermentation, and got a call from my roommate in complete panic shouting "Your beer exploded!" I had never made this type of beer before, and had used a standard airlock and amount of headspace without knowing that the fermentation for this beer was much more active than I was accustomed to. The airlock completely clogged, pressure built up, and eventually it went Kaboom. The airlock was launched so hard skyward that it embedded itself halfway into the ceiling drywall, and my new batch of beer erupted like a volcano all over our kitchen floor. Lesson learned: Use a blowoff tube - it's better than an airlock.
Did you regret the up-front investment?
Making (terrible) hard cider was super cheap and hardly an investment at all - definitely worth it. But when stepping up to Mead/Beer, there was a significant investment in materials that I'd say is only worth it if you're going to stick with the hobby.
Do you bottle or keg?
I have done both. When bottling, I only use the flip-top bottles because I'm terrified of bottle capping machines (mostly thanks to that scene from Breaking Bad) They are more expensive but worth the ease of use.
What are your favorite recipes?
My favorite was just a simple standard mead. What set it apart from the rest? I forgot about it and left it in a closet for about 10 years. Every other cider or mead I've made have been rough around the edges - mostly dry and tannic, but this one was so amazingly smooth and crisp. So my advice... the most important part of any recipe will be time. Either learn to be patient, or make beer instead (it's drinkable sooner)
What is your setup like?
I have a 10 gallon stock pot that I use for the "Brew in a Bag" all grain method, multiple 5 gallon plastic carboys for primary and secondary fermentation, and a collection of different colored flip top bottles.
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Comment on Automakers are sharing consumers’ driving behavior with insurance companies (gifted link) in ~transport
lupusthethird Link ParentThis, seriously. I'm going to stick to cars from the 80s - 2000s from now on, as they are new enough to be fuel injected and have a lot of modern conveniences, but old enough that computers...This, seriously. I'm going to stick to cars from the 80s - 2000s from now on, as they are new enough to be fuel injected and have a lot of modern conveniences, but old enough that computers haven't taken over every component and put flashy screens all over your dashboard. It feels so much better to drive when the throttle and steering are mechanically connected rather than the drive-by-wire type systems with floaty controls that are common in cars nowadays.
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Comment on What irrational video game requirements do you have? in ~games
lupusthethird LinkForcing completion of the game's "Story Mode" to unlock content in Multiplayer/Free play modes. I paid for the full game and I want to enjoy it the way I want to, not be gatekept by your arbitrary...Forcing completion of the game's "Story Mode" to unlock content in Multiplayer/Free play modes. I paid for the full game and I want to enjoy it the way I want to, not be gatekept by your arbitrary need to have me sit through your narrative. I'm fully aware that this has been a staple of gaming for a long time - look at how many unlocks were in Goldeneye back in the day... but I've gotten older and busier and don't have time for this anymore.
Examples: FFXIV requires you to sink hundreds of hours into the story to unlock dungeons if you wanna play with your friends. Another coming to mind is the rhythm game Amplitude where you not only have to complete the campaign but also full combo every chapter's songs to unlock another song from each chapter (Something I still have yet to do as I struggle in the last chapter and refuse to lower the difficulty)
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Comment on Happy Lunar New Year! in ~talk
lupusthethird LinkWe are cooking some soup, crabs and oysters right now, and having hotpot party tonight!! Happy CNY!!We are cooking some soup, crabs and oysters right now, and having hotpot party tonight!! Happy CNY!!
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Comment on Steam Next Fest: what have you been playing? in ~games
lupusthethird LinkTribes 3 It's currently in public alpha until the 12th. Very unpolished as can be expected, but still very fun to play Tribes again... I haven't been so amped during a game session for a long...It's currently in public alpha until the 12th. Very unpolished as can be expected, but still very fun to play Tribes again... I haven't been so amped during a game session for a long time. It was one of my favorite games way back in the day playing on a Voodoo2 and I've put countless hours into every game in the franchise. I'm playing as much of the alpha as I can for now, and excited to see how it will develop later on.
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Comment on The relative share of Americans living in the West of the US has declined in ~life
lupusthethird Link ParentThere are a lot of other factors as well. The quality of schools that my son will go to, ease of access to nature, availability of asian grocery supplies (a problem in many rural areas),...That said, it sounds like you're feeling pretty miserable, unsupported, and perhaps unsafe where you live now. Surely getting out of that situation is worth dealing with a higher interest rate? (assuming you can afford it, obviously)
There are a lot of other factors as well. The quality of schools that my son will go to, ease of access to nature, availability of asian grocery supplies (a problem in many rural areas), availability of jobs in my field. Ultimately, we would still need to live near a reasonably-sized city ideally, so it's unlikely we will be able to "break even" on a home unless we compromise greatly on some of those criteria.
It seems crazy to me to stay if the reason is purely to avoid making a financial choice that's not ideal. Peace of mind and your mental health have value too.
As a father, my number 1 source of stress is the financial security of my family, so it's really hard to commit to something so risky.
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Comment on The relative share of Americans living in the West of the US has declined in ~life
lupusthethird LinkI get it. I am a West coaster that used to be an East coaster, and really want to move back. I moved out here for the ample tech job opportunities about 15 years ago. It used to be so incredible...I get it. I am a West coaster that used to be an East coaster, and really want to move back. I moved out here for the ample tech job opportunities about 15 years ago. It used to be so incredible out here. I remember being stunned at how safe, beautiful, and clean my city was, despite being a larger city. Bought a house a few years ago just in time before the interest rate hikes, wanted to spread my roots here and settle in forever. Since buying the house, cost of living has doubled or maybe tripled, my property taxes have increased every year as new initiatives continue to pile onto the property taxes and nothing else, and my neighborhood is no longer safe due to police policy not allowing them to pursue. There are used needles being found at the playgrounds where I'm taking my kid, cars stolen and stripped and dumped down the street from me, armed robberies at the grocery store I go to almost every day, and a couple months ago guns were being fired out of stolen cars just outside my house. With having a toddler now, being separated from all the family back East, our family is also lacking a lot of support structure so it's been pretty tough. I really want to leave at this point but the interest rates have gone so crazy that it would end up a bad financial decision to do so.
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Comment on What was your first computer game? (Soundcheck question 2023) in ~games
lupusthethird LinkWe had a local small business PC store in my area that would rent out DOS games. You'd rent the installation floppies and it kind of operated on the honor system with the expectation you'd...We had a local small business PC store in my area that would rent out DOS games. You'd rent the installation floppies and it kind of operated on the honor system with the expectation you'd uninstall them afterwards. Of course, neither me nor anyone else that we knew that shopped there actually uninstalled them. I think my first was Commander Keen, but some others I spent a lot of time on were Skyroads, Wacky Wheels, Lemmings, The Lost Vikings, Wolfenstein, and Jazz Jackrabbit.
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Comment on Vote for "Movie of the Week" in January - 100 minutes or less in ~movies
lupusthethird LinkNominating Pontypool (1h33m runtime) Excellent little low budget, claustrophobic Canadian horror movie with an interesting concept and some genuinely creepy vibes. Takes place in a snowy Canadian...Nominating Pontypool (1h33m runtime) Excellent little low budget, claustrophobic Canadian horror movie with an interesting concept and some genuinely creepy vibes. Takes place in a snowy Canadian winter so it's thematically appropriate for January too IMO.
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Comment on Anime for someone who doesn't like (shonen) anime that much in ~anime
lupusthethird LinkJust adding a couple more I didn't see with CTRL F. Films, so that there will be less time investment required. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms / Sayonara no Asa ni Yakusoku no Hana wo...Just adding a couple more I didn't see with CTRL F. Films, so that there will be less time investment required.
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms / Sayonara no Asa ni Yakusoku no Hana wo Kazarou - I was reminded of this one recently due to Frieren's popularity. Like Frieren, the main character Maquia lives much longer than we do, and this film explores her unique perspective as she raises an adopted human son that quickly grows older than herself. Definitely watch if you want to feel things. The art, animation, and soundtrack are all fabulous, and the story is incredibly moving, especially if you are a parent.
Galaxy Express 999 / Ginga Tetsudō 999 The Movie - An absolute classic and must-watch. A coming of age tale about an orphan boy going on a journey to avenge his deceased mother. The story is great, well paced, and in a setting that is well-developed. The soundtrack is an 11 out of 10 fully orchestrated masterpiece that I listen to often by itself, and it never fails to instantly evoke the imagery of the film in my minds eye.
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Comment on Are there any games that you have enjoyed playing without the HUD or mini-map? If so, which ones and why? in ~games
lupusthethird LinkEverquest. I have been playing since the original launch in 1999. Exploring Norrath without a map (by design at the time of launch) was incredibly immersive and rewarding. Especially considering...Everquest. I have been playing since the original launch in 1999. Exploring Norrath without a map (by design at the time of launch) was incredibly immersive and rewarding. Especially considering that, at the time, the internet was still in its infancy and there were not many sites out there for sharing knowledge with other players, resulting in a lot of "tribal knowledge" spreading organically by word of mouth. The vanilla game has added a map as of about 20 years ago. But even now, private servers exist that replicate the original UI and try to uphold its original design ideas by removing the map and other modern "conveniences."
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Comment on Do you have a favorite YouTube video? I want to know! in ~talk
lupusthethird LinkA really tough choice since I watch a lot. The ones I watch most, though, are just be recordings of artists singing covers, which I don't interpret as being in the spirit of the idea of "Favorite...A really tough choice since I watch a lot. The ones I watch most, though, are just be recordings of artists singing covers, which I don't interpret as being in the spirit of the idea of "Favorite Youtube video." That said, I'd probably go with PaperHeart by Qwaqa. Qwaqa is so incredibly creative with AMVs. This is the first one of theirs I saw, and it pretty much spoiled me to the point where they are the only AMV creator I still watch.
What I don't like is my vehicle dictating the pace and the availability of choices for stops I make on my road trip. I grew up on frequent road trips, and to me they are the ultimate expression of freedom - to be able to go anywhere, on your own timeline, enjoying the sights and destinations and escaping from the everyday routine. If a vehicle introduces restrictions on that freedom it's not for me. If I have to stop to charge my EV for such a lengthy time, I will be limited to exploring only the immediate area around the charging station for things like meal breaks, shopping, or sightseeing during that time. In an ICE or PHEV I can fill up anywhere I want in just a couple minutes, and then I have much more choice of destinations to explore during those breaks - moving on if there's nothing of interest instead of being held captive by my vehicles battery.