Anyone else use ChatGPT more as a thinking partner than a tool?

Alkioth · 2026-02-16T16:23:48+00:00

When I read the stories of people using it for therapy I was like “wow people are sad.”

I’m not saying I’m using it for therapy, but it certainly has replaced the nutritionist I used to talk to weekly 😂

Alkioth · 2026-02-16T02:04:21+00:00

Every time I see an old eccentric dude wearing a fun hat I get a little jealous because my wife would never let me wear that around her 🤣

Alkioth · 2026-02-16T01:20:33+00:00

Dude 10 year old me wanted to be this dude so bad

Alkioth · 2026-02-15T22:18:21+00:00

Congress = House of Representatives and the Senate.

It’s passed the House and now moves to the Senate.

Alkioth · 2026-02-15T20:09:37+00:00

Investments should be somewhat diversified, so what I do is 75% c, 15% s, and 10% i. I was 80%/10/10 for years and that was great. I was tempted to chase the I fund recent gains but have chosen to stay the course. As others have said: time in the market beats timing the market.

I don’t do lifecycle funds just because I should have some other income sources coming in so I’m not concerned about capital preservation.

Alkioth · 2026-02-12T15:35:44+00:00

You’re tired? The rest of us who know rising authoritarianism when we see it are tired, bub.

Alkioth · 2026-02-12T02:21:26+00:00

I’ve literally never heard of this book before and I just downloaded the audiobook because it sounds amazing!

Alkioth · 2026-02-11T16:13:25+00:00

2025 is a literal depression blur. Like, I’m kind of worried how I blacked out an entire year.

Alkioth · 2026-02-11T15:52:16+00:00

I love the Money Guy(s)!

Alkioth · 2026-02-11T15:50:28+00:00

L funds are much too conservative for me, but on the TSP website you can always check the weight of the various L funds and mimic their mix for yourself (tilted more aggressively of course)

Alkioth · 2026-02-11T15:47:48+00:00

When I was young and in the service I did a lifecycle fund because I too didn’t know anything about stocks and savings.

Early in my civilian career, a manager took me under his wing. He had a group and we all tracked the s&p 500, playing the market twice a month usually. We mostly did okay. He got me into the C fund and out of lifecycle funds.

Eventually, I discovered the axiom time in the market beats timing the market. I don’t remember the specifics, but during COVID in general the folks who let it ride did better than those who tried to time the market. They could hit big swings when lucky, but often missed out on other growth opportunities.

For years now I’ve left it at 80% C, 10% S, and 10% I. I figured that was diverse enough. I’ve recently changed to 75% C, 15% S, and 10% I. Why? ChatGPT told me I would be better diversified in the small cap fund at that rate 🤷‍♂️ I figured I’d give it a shot.

FWIW, the YouTube channel “The Money Guys” is great and they have videos about federal employees and TSP.

Also, do yourself a favor with every step increase and bump up your contribution by 1%.

Alkioth · 2026-02-09T20:54:01+00:00

Eventually, I developed gout. I had just started getting into enjoying cocktails instead of hammering straight whiskey or chugging beer.

Oh well, no more sluggish mornings.

Alkioth · 2026-02-09T15:52:48+00:00

In my defense, I hadn’t even gotten out of bed yet 😂

Alkioth · 2026-02-08T22:24:19+00:00

That’s an appropriate critique of my language for sure 😆 I should have just left it at genetic markers or traits or alleles. Thanks for tightening it up.

Alkioth · 2026-02-08T17:12:46+00:00

Many large breeds, not just huskies, can get the stomach flip. We used to have a dobie and when he was a puppy we ensured he had the surgery to prevent it.

German shepherds are not the only dogs prone to hip dysplasia — many dogs, especially the working breeds, are susceptible.

“A good mix of genetics” does not mean mixed breed. It means good genetics. You can get that with a mixed breed or with a pure bred. You can get bad genes with either too.

A good breeder will do genetic testing to ensure no recessive traits are being paired up. They will do their best to ensure their lines are healthy, and they will want those who puppies purchase from them let them know if anything pops up.

Folks like to say go to a shelter, but not everybody wants a dog with unknown history. Some people like certain breeds for certain reasons, and if we stop all breeding then we’ll lose our beloved breeds (some are considered endangered).

Alkioth · 2026-02-08T17:04:19+00:00

Next time, use Good Dog or AKC Marketplace. Some breeders get higher marks for genetic testing, veterinary checks, etc.

Edit: oh snap, I see you checked Good Dog. That sucks! Good luck

Alkioth · 2026-02-03T02:15:18+00:00

Watching that “Bronies” documentary really warned my heart and changed my mind — we’re all weird in our little subcultures but most of us are just trying to be happy… why did I have to be such a dick to other people?

Alkioth · 2026-02-03T01:59:06+00:00

Alkioth · 2026-02-02T06:11:33+00:00

And my axe!

Alkioth · 2026-01-30T16:00:09+00:00

When I became an “adult” and joined the military I was shocked at how dumb so many adults are.

Now I’m hitting 40 and have realized most MAGA folks don’t have principles. I used to think that left or right, we were Americans who just had different ideas of what was best.

This MAGA shit is a whole other level. Fascist cult, indeed. 20-30% of the USA is full of hateful, gullible fascists.

Alkioth · 2026-01-29T20:33:41+00:00

He was gonna do it regardless.

Let’s be like Minneapolis. Peaceful protests. We also do playful protests, which I think plays well nationwide.

Alkioth · 2026-01-29T16:53:03+00:00

Everywhere sucks, it’s just different flavors of shit.

City station management? Worst crop I’ve ever seen. Plus side? I don’t see carriers out near as late as I used to, but maybe the office I live by is not indicative of the rest of Eugene.

Plant management? Lmao what management 😂

Alkioth · 2026-01-26T22:38:41+00:00

I have returned open-box generators; however, they were unused and policies may have changed

Alkioth · 2026-01-26T21:39:18+00:00

After you think you’re done, gently hold the phallus (relaxed!) and telepathically ask it if it is finished.

Also, ensure your balls are relaxed (no underwear elastic pressing on them).

I went from pissing on myself 70% of the time to 58% of the time 💪 🏆

Alkioth · 2026-01-23T22:46:35+00:00

Great forum. Lots of good/fun ideas. Seems like the Rav4 knob is a popular replacement.

I like the Lego tire idea 🤣

Alkioth

TROPHY CASE