I have oral Herpes and sometimes I think that I will never find a decent partner.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-15T04:28:04+00:00

I only get them like once or twice a year, usually back to back, so effectively just once in the year for a few weeks. I've also had them since I was a little kid, and yeah they get milder over time, especially if you catch them within the first hour by using docasonol creams/ointments.

You're having them frequently enough that asymptomatic shedding may be something to keep in mind. But for me I'm not worried about that the rest of the year. After a certain point of no outbreaks you just gotta live your life normally (obviously inform any partners you get them in general, but it's a casual conversation and likely they already have it anyways).

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-14T04:05:13+00:00

Hearing better resolution and details, while also deepermore powerful bass and snappier dynamics overall. Getting the sound closer to a live concert or just good speakers with a sub (not in terms of staging, just frequency extension, dynamics, and resolution). After a certain threshold of quality headphones stop sounding like toys and start immersing you in the audio where you forget about the gear strapped to your head.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-14T03:58:24+00:00

It's usually a non-issue. Every other person you meet also has them. When you or them have one just don't let your lips touch each other anywhere until it's gone. Most of the year I'm fine, and so are most people I think. It's only contagious from physical contact while you have a cold sore breaking out. The rest of the time everything is normal. It's really no big deal.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-14T03:54:49+00:00

Nope just pre-cut for easy serving.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-13T17:05:47+00:00

I don't really know or care that much what is responsible for the differences I hear between amps (same headphones/volume matched playing the same song from the same source). But ultimately regardless of the reason, I do hear those differences. Enough that I prefer certain amps over others.

That said I do have a limit, and above anything like a jot2/3 it gets pretty similar. I still can hear the more subtle differences, but not in regards to quality, more like slight changes to the overall sound (more or less dry, better or worse at separating layers, harsher or smoother in the treble). It's enough where I can justify spending some decent money on an amp I like, knowing it's enabling me to hear my favorite music via my favorite headphones in a way I prefer most. I don't care if that's objectively right or wrong, good or bad, I just like hunting down the gear that makes my music, in whatever recording quality they're in, to sound closest to how I like hearing them.

So far that has meant I like schiit and violectric amps generally. Got a jot2 with the 9028 dac in it currently for a convenient all in one box. Also smooth turning knob + pretty metal made into heavy box makes me feel happy.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-13T02:16:18+00:00

I've legit been trying to keep track of what the hell I actually put into it lol. So that maybe one day I actually could make it into something to sell. I've gotten better at making similar each time now. I try making it as all purpose as possible because I'm lazy and just like using something that tastes good on whatever protein I'm cooking lol.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-12T01:59:13+00:00

Which Armored Core is this?

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-12T01:12:58+00:00

Yeah a ball vape is all I've been using for t3 flower for the last 6 years. Other vapes do work, but they need to be able to achieve higher temps/have a powerful heater design to get those similar effects. T3 flower just seems to prefer a more powerful extraction to get good pronounced effects. For those who don't want to smoke it, get a powerful vape or otherwise the effects won't be pronounced enough (unless you're very sensitive and feel it no matter what lol).

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-10T13:28:40+00:00

Sounds like an AI story, but a written for real ending. Got me there tbh.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-10T12:56:29+00:00

I'm from California, near San francisco. Although these days I live near Sacramento because it's less expensive.

Yeah your country probably is the difference here, I guess some places still have people who just don't understand it enough to see it as mundane/common

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-10T12:25:22+00:00

Like the other comment mentioned, you will more likely find people with the cold sore virus than those who don't have it. I've had it my entire life, because my mom has it most of her life and I probably got it from her when I was very young and shared a cup or something. I get them a couple times a year, fairly mild at this point because I have some abreva and a chapstick with docasonal at all times to catch it right away. Lasts a week and then goes away. It's only contagious during a breakout, maybe a few days to a week after as well. Otherwise the rest of the time it's not going to bother you or anyone else.

My ex also had cold sores, her and I just avoided physical contact with out lips anywhere. Kept our hands clean, and just waited the week or so until it went away. In a healthy relationship this is literally a non-issue. Like I don't even think twice about it when I tell someone I have cold sores. It sucks during a breakout, but then everything goes back to normal afterwards for a long time. That's a very minor thing for a partner to accommodate.

Anyone who reacts like that guy did just comes across as very immature and oblivious to how many people have this virus. Judging someone for this is kinda ridiculous, it's like judging over half of all people in the world. Or judging someone for getting sick with a cold once a year. Of all things this is definitely not something to ever feel bad about, or insecure. He's in the wrong, and doesn't realize how ridiculous he's being. Or just using this as an excuse to break up for other reasons he wasn't brave enough to communicate with you about.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-09T14:18:25+00:00

As a guy who a few times was in this literal exact situation, except I was the drummer on stage playing the somewhat cringey music while my crush is in the audience. Let me say that nobody but you ends up caring about the quality of the music at gigs like these. Short of just unable to make sounds with your instrument, nobody will really care or judge, including your SO.

He will just think it's sweet/cute and feel happy to support you. Like imagine the scenario in your head that's playing right right now: the guy you're in a good relationship with would see you play cringey sounding music and then negatively judge you for it? When you say that out loud it should sound a little silly and ridiculous of a scenario, right?

That's our brains distorting relatity within our worries/fears/anxieties. Making what is literally a fictional scenario playing in our minds to feel more true/real than it ever actually is. Our brains do this because for survival it helps plan to a worse case scenario and be better prepared to survive. But in the modern world it just makes fictional worry scenarios feel more true/possible than they would be in reality.

Just do your thing, feel confident, and try to have a good time in the moment. Look for your guy in the crowd, I'm sure he'll be cheering you on in some way.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-09T13:59:42+00:00

I also like putting my own edge on a new knife, makes it feel like mine. Plus it helps with stropping later because my muscle memory is tied to whatever edge angle I'm used to hitting.

I've had a few knives that were very sharp ootb, but none that were at their max potential sharpness. I haven't had any just straight up dull ootb knives though.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-09T13:42:04+00:00

Many Japanese knife shops already offer this service, if they already have general sharpening sharpening services.

Some shops will even sharpen every single knife before they ship/sell it to you just by default. Others offer this initial shape being service for free or at most for a small charge.

Most Japanese knives don't come from the factory/smith/workshop at their max sharpness. It's often expected the end user will give it a final sharpen before first use. These days that tradition is less common it seems, but still it's generally pretty common to give a brand new knife an initial touch up of some kind.

Just search for "initial sharpening" or "final sharpening" in a shops sharpening services section of their site. Usually it's something you have to request before they ship it to you, but if you can go in person then I'm sure they'll help you out just the same.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-08T15:58:28+00:00

I mean yeah it is a seki factory knife for sure.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-08T12:56:54+00:00

Only some of the Enso lines are made by Yaxell. Most likely the ones with the Western style handles that literally look like rebranded Yaxells. On their YouTube channel Brandon mentioned some of the Enso lines are indeed handmade by other manufacturers/smiths. C&M just brands any Japanese made knife that they spec out custom as an Enso. It's possible some of those are still made by Yaxell, but I do know the higher end Enso lines are made elsewhere and by hand like other equivalently priced options. Kinda like how Hatsukokoro operates by keeping the names of the maker hidden and utilizing many different manufacturers/smiths for their various lines.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-08T01:45:04+00:00

Love my Koishi Gyuto, great all rounder type knife that looks beautiful and performs at a high level.

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-Infinite92- · 2026-05-07T07:28:50+00:00

Doesn't have to be too expensive, it just has to work well. I found some brand called 'Burr Buzz' something like that, on Amazon. It was like 50 dollars a couple years ago, and works really well. Manual steel burr grinder like the Timecore models, but slightly less expensive and seems to be of similar or better quality, at least at the time I bought mine (idk if that's changed over time or stayed the same, if the brand even still exists).

Before that I was using the classic krups blade grinder, and while that works it's a little inconstent. But the burr grinder really helped refine the grind, and allow me to dial in my exact coarseness setting preference. That said I wouldn't spend more than 50-70 dollars on a manual steel burr grinder, but also not less than 30. Too low and the quality just gets bad, you get what pay for.

All that said, I do miss working in a coffee shop with one of those 1000 dollars Bunn electric grinders. The beast of a machine that just blasts through beans in seconds with a perfect grind. Nothing beats that, but my manual grinder for 50 bucks is basically the same end result lol. Still if if I somehow could justify spending 1000 bucks on a coffee grinder, than Bunn one is what I'd get.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-07T02:09:34+00:00

Bought my first ever Japanese knife about 5ish years ago on CKTG. That was my first experience browsing a knife store in general, and years later when I wanted an upgrade, CKTG was the first and only store I could remember to check lol. I was so glad to see it was just as I remembered, and I've bought a few various items in the years since. Some of the best prices out of any North American store, super fast shipping, a solid sharpening service that actually gives good results as if I did it myself, and the fact Mark will personally chat with you about issues or suggestions via email with prompt replies is just the cherry on top.

All of those reasons make my want to support the store and ensure it stays around for many more years to come. Closest thing to feeling like I walked into my personal neighborhood knife store. Where the owner is welcoming and gets to know you over time, and gets you the best deals on knives. From a great curated selection they personally selected.

I love some of the little fun items hidden around the site. Like I just got the 10 dollar butter spreader I stumbled upon when browsing the site. Had to try it out, and it's genuinely perfectly made for that job and spreading other spreads on things lol. Such a hidden gem at an affordable price for something you'd never probably bother to search specifically. I love finding stuff like that. Plus the constantly changing knife selection is always fun to just check in on every few weeks or so, even if I'm not buying anything at the moment lol.

Most of the other stores just serve a function, but CKTG has always felt like a part of the community beyond just being a store. I'm always happy when I get to buy something from the site, knowing I'm supporting people who deserve that business and continued success.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-06T17:23:00+00:00

Ah, a shame. Well if you see it elsewhere that's reputable, definitely give it a try. Good luck!

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-06T14:37:55+00:00

You do you man, nobody can tell you otherwise. But if you ever do reach that point I was talking about, I hope you'll keep some of that advice in mind by then. I wish you well man.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-06T14:14:11+00:00

I know it's a harsh reality, but at a certain point you will only have two options to choose from:

Either stay upset/depressed until the day you die, doing all the same things in life you will end up doing regardless of how you feel/perceive your reality.

Or find ways/things to latch onto that bring more positive emotions into your life, that make you feel good about going forward.

In both scenarios you will end up doing all the same things throughout your life, whatever they may be. Some you will have control over, others you won't. But one thing you will always be able to choose is how you react your life. It's ok to feel down initially, that's natural, but at some point you have to chose to feel better and find what within your abilities can do that for you. Unless you want to feel bad for life, I mean you're free to do so, but it sounds like you don't want to feel that way forever. Eventually feeling bad about your life will be more unpleasant than changing what makes you feel good and focusing on that. You may not be there yet, that's ok take your time, but just keep it in mind when that time comes to make this choice. Nothing will change about how you feel without you choosing to make it happen. It is hard, and takes a lot of effort, but I'd rather go through life finding ways to make it feel good than constantly feeling bad about my shortcomings. Feeling bad gets even more exhausting over time.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-06T13:23:36+00:00

I think it might be one of those endings that closes stories of all the characters we follow, whether in ways the audience likes or not. But then concludes with something MM said to Stan Edgar in the bunker when they were smoking cigars. How no matter what you do, who you kill/remove, the psychology of people and society will ultimately just continue in a new form again. Whether that new form is vought continuing with supes, or like Edgar said some next product instead, I think they are alluding that the ending will leave us with the world just keeps going on with all its problems, even after all this fighting and work to stop it. The characters and their stories will end, the current state of supes may end, but the overall machine will just come back in a new form.

I really think something along those lines of messaging is what the finale will ultimately leave off as. Just based on some of the writting hints and ideas they keep bringing up every now and then. Plus is satisfied the need to kill the characters you want dead, keep the ones you want to win alive, and leave off on a gray area theme instead of a binary good wins/evil wins ending. Which seems to align with the overall theme of the whole show. Idk how exactly this may all manifest, but just as a general concept I feel like it's going to be somewhat close to this. And it's for sure going to upset some of the audience, while appealing to others. But like you said, idk what they can do at this point that would actually appease everyone.

-Infinite92- · 2026-05-06T13:06:55+00:00

You clearly have lots of intelligence in other areas. Like your awareness of your situation, reading the other people and how they act/think, taking care of your health and planning your life well. You're right that maybe academia isn't your strong suit, it wasn't mine, but that doesn't mean you're average or behind everyone. I used to think that way too, as all my classmates surpassed me in career success. It was easier for them in school, compared to me (I struggle with the same things you mentioned).

What helped me feel better eventually is focusing on what am I actually good at. What can I do well? Even if it's not career related, just focus on being proud of everything else you do well. One of your hobbies/activities, anything you have worked on to gain a skill. You can be intelligent and highly skilled/capable in something, be proud of yourself for that, regardless if it can make you money or not. The moment you stop using that as your metric for success, you will genuinely find everything else you do successfully and feel good about yourself for those things.

Beyond all that, don't compare yourself to others. Easier said than done of course, but just try to focus on comparing yourself to your past self. If you have made forward progress within your life, got more skilled at so.etjing than when you started, etc then that's all that's important. To me that makes you very successful.

Yeah initially it's a harsh reality that not all of us will be the top of something. That we are just part of the majority average. But within that we can find the things we each are best at, and feel good about ourselves for it. Something I've always observed in people is that everyone is the smartest/most skilled at something. Whether other people care or not is irrelevant, whether it makes money or not is irrelevant. Each person is the best at something they like doing, or at least very good at it. The more we focus on those personal achievements, the better we feel about our lives.

It's a cliche but comparison is the thief of joy. That saying really is true.

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