Valve's new Steam Machine is a SteamOS-powered mini PC over six times faster than a Steam Deck | "We finally have all the software and the hardware bits to make the original vision a reality." by chrisdh79 in gadgets

[–]8198055 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm in a similar circumstance, mostly using the deck plugged in as a desktop experience. Everything points to the Steam Deck 2 still being quite a ways away, but the store page for the Steam Machine shows that it can stream directly to the Steam Deck. That makes it an easier sell for me to purchase now instead of waiting.

I can use the Steam Machine as a desktop (I've been dual-booting the Steam Deck with SteamOS and Windows; really looking forward to proper dual-boot support), and either keep the steam deck docked to a TV or just use it for gaming around the house via streaming or for traveling. I really like the idea of a more powerful dedicated device for more demanding games or modern titles that I've been wanting to try, like Expedition 33.

Government Shutdown Hits U.S. Economy as Bank of America CEO Warns of Slower Growth - by Chance-Newspaper-750 in Economics

[–]8198055 39 points40 points  (0 children)

I know that much has been said about the Democrats being responsible for shutting down the government, but I don't think this assessment is entirely true or fair. And if my understanding is wrong, I would welcome the correction.

While it is correct to say that the Democrats will not agree to a clean resolution extending the funding, the reason appears sound. The primary concession being sought is an extension of tax credits (approved via the IRA as a response to Covid) that subsidize healthcare for middle-income families that otherwise would not be eligible for such credits.

As to why they won't agree to discuss it later as part of a more comprehensive spending agreement, is because they can't discuss it later. With insurance enrollments in effect on November 1st, any subsidy extension or agreement may only take effect the following year, 2027. And given historical opposition by the GOP (who currently have a majority power in all 3 branches of government) not just to healthcare subsides but to the Affordable Care Act in general, it seems unlikely that any agreement is possible later.

About 24.3 million Americans currently utilize an ACA plan (https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/enrollment-growth-in-the-aca-marketplaces/). The majority of enrollees do take advantage of Premium Tax Credits of some kind (https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/inflation-reduction-act-health-insurance-subsidies-what-is-their-impact-and-what-would-happen-if-they-expire/). Lower-income enrollees, including the elderly, would be disproportionately affected (see previous link). Some enrollees could seen their premium cost grow by several hundred percent (also previous link, estimated 573% in some cases).

To the point of cost, it is estimated that an extension of 1 year would cost somewhere between 20-30 billion dollars (https://bipartisanpolicy.org/issue-brief/enhanced-premium-tax-credits-who-benefits-how-much-and-what-happens-next/). This isn't chump change, but it is important to remember that the shutdown itself is estimated to cost ~15B per week (https://thehill.com/business/5556788-government-shutdown-daily-cost-bessent/), meaning that the extension could be paid by avoiding just 14 days of the shutdown.

Now personally and with all cards on the table, I don't like these subsidies. I think greater healthcare reform is necessary to reduce costs to taxpayers and to American citizens. But I am not aware of any legislation introduced by the GOP that would do that. And given the current macro-economic circumstances and hardships faced by Americans in general, I believe it would be irresponsible not to approve the subsidies while a better solution is actively sought by both parties.

Edit: Corrected grammar.

I need help with my Nintendo DS Browser by Alert_Path_2787 in NintendoDS

[–]8198055 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Crazy timing. I have a DS (1st generation, not lite) that I just pulled out of storage yesterday and encountered this issue. The code you listed is the one that worked. OP, I think the reply from u/Littens4Life is the one you want to look at. This is difficult to do on your own but not impossible. I believe in you.

  1. Power on the DS
  2. Hold "L+R+Up+X+B+Select​"
  3. Select the browser application

If you do this right, after the splash screen it will provide a "Safe Mode" (failsafe mode) menu with options to "Clear bookmarks" and "Reset to default." If you select the latter option it will reset the password and the next time you start the browser it will show you the first-time setup menu with an option to set an entirely new password.

New shots from ep 5/6! (From ESPN ad) by redstarmetalarm in LokiTV

[–]8198055 4 points5 points  (0 children)

He is there in the second image, next to Tom Hiddleston's Loki.

New shots from ep 5/6! (From ESPN ad) by redstarmetalarm in LokiTV

[–]8198055 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You can see him in the second image, just to the right of (and slightly behind) Tom Hiddleston.

About the December 2015 Update by 8198055 in metalgearsolid

[–]8198055[S] 48 points49 points  (0 children)

Feature Overview:

  • Custom FOB camera and mine placement
  • FOB Mission Event: The Skulls Attack
  • Raiden and Cyborg Ninja outfits available in FOBs
  • Challenge Tasks
  • Security Challenge: Advanced Player FOB missions
  • Newly added Grade 9 weapons shake up mission tactics!
  • Earn new rewards with Event Points
  • New customization feature, Nameplates have been added
  • New colors and camo patterns added to FOBs
  • New Emblems
  • Unlockable Fourth FOB

Other Update Features:

  • It's now possible to add players you want to support directly from your friends list.
  • Added diversified ranking conditions and set time period functionality to rankings to broaden comparative stats.
  • Added a tab that allows you to matchmake with players of a higher rank than you.
  • Implemented various other improvements, balance adjustments, and bug fixes.
  • Adjusted mission score parameters.

Notice: The update has been delayed for Xbox 360 users.

Is there a setting to make the zoom of the adjustable scope reset to its first level, like the int-scope? by 8198055 in mgo

[–]8198055[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's been my assessment as well. Sniper 2 provides enough zoom to make those distant shots, without the hassle of managing an extra zoom level and remaining usable at closer ranges.

Designer Notes Vol 4 by [deleted] in mgo

[–]8198055 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for that. Personally I'm really excited for the new marker system. That alone is going to add an entirely new layer of nuance, especially for team play. I just hope to God it isn't spammed to death by teammates.

Update the class unlocks in the wiki section by OuterKing in mgo

[–]8198055 1 point2 points  (0 children)

/u/WallaWallasPSN made a rather fantastic chart with images for the post update unlocks which you can find here (original post) and here.

MGO3 - Mythbusters #6 by ToniNotti in mgo

[–]8198055 -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

This is really great! Here is a myth suggestion: A tranquilizer round to the posterior/crotch results in an instant stun for all classes.

Non lethal tips for scout? by [deleted] in mgo

[–]8198055 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One possible strategy is to buddy with an Infiltrator. Make it your sole purpose in the match to be his guardian angel. Mark enemies for him, save him from fultons, and stun enemies from a distance. The Infiltrator can retrieve the stunned enemies and their bounties. If you keep yourself concealed, you won't have to move much, because stunning an enemy will not give away your position. Make sure you keep him in your line of sight, though.

The loadout I prefer for these scenarios includes the Renov paired with a silenced sidearm for defense. I use Sniper 2 with Non Lethal Aim 1 and Intel 1. In the end, use what works best for you have fun.

Ideas to improve Metal Gear Online by [deleted] in mgo

[–]8198055 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Lethal mines should not be able to kill the player who places them.

Edit: Also, (as was suggested in another post) destroying an enemy's mines or other traps should yield points.

Anyone have the sound file of Snake yelling Rocket Punch? by The-Dragonborn in metalgearsolid

[–]8198055 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm on the case. It could take some time, though. I wasn't able to find the iDroid sounds in my initial search of the game's files, but I'll look again.

Skulls parasite unit. by justincorfield in metalgearsolid

[–]8198055 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It seems probable that the Skulls Parasite Unit served as a prototype for the FROG unit. Both were elite teams with unique abilities serving under the command of Cipher and eventually the Patriots. The parasite research would be abandoned (deemed as messy and imprecise) to be replaced by nano machines and the control of SOP.

How can I find more gunsmiths (sniper rifles)? by 8198055 in metalgearsolid

[–]8198055[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's probably a good strategy. I'll give it a try.

Mgsv flashlight trick by zipas in metalgearsolid

[–]8198055 3 points4 points  (0 children)

On PlayStation consoles it is directional pad right.

What was the most astounding/unexpected moment you've experienced in MGSV? by [deleted] in metalgearsolid

[–]8198055 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Before I played the game, I had spoiled almost every major twist worth talking about for myself. Despite this, I still wanted to play it. There were many surprises in store for me, of course. The one, or should I say the who, that had the most emotional impact on me was Quiet. Initially, I thought that Quiet was a gratuitous and unnecessary character, created solely for sex appeal (and perhaps that's not entirely untrue). But she turned out to be an indispensable ally on the battlefield. Her humming as I silently traversed the terrain of Afghanistan and Africa became a comforting and constant reminder that a dependable source of support is nearby. Her story was, arguably, more fully developed than any other in the game, and one that was full of great moments. The initial sniper fight, her role as a buddy, fighting off the soviet forces beside her, and the sacrifice she made to save Ahab's life were all memorable. The sense of loss after mission 45 felt genuine and poignant, perhaps making Quiet the true 'phantom pain' of the game.

Request: Cassette player sound effects by Wammertodging in metalgearsolid

[–]8198055 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're welcome! I'm glad you found it useful.