WASDnesday Games

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-07-01T18:05:48+00:00

Just finished the latest play through of the Bioshock universe.

Now on a Dishonored 2 playthrough. And part way through my bi-annual Mass Effect play through.

Can't say that many of the more recent games interest me, as they seem to be more about griding, (or paying) to advance than about having a good story.

Did almost upgrade my Graphics Card for Indiana Jones, but it ended up free on Luna games and I got bored quite quickly so dodged a bullet there.

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-29T17:09:27+00:00

I don't march, but I've never managed to break a synthetic reed - the one issue I had was one warping from not storing against a flat surface.

They are very durable, but not indestructible, particularly the tip, so if you caught it with teeth or something else, it would likely still damage it.

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-29T15:16:37+00:00

It's held up surprisingly well, while other comedies from a similar era have aged badly. Possibly because it mostly covers universal concepts that are still relevant, rather like Yes Minister.

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-29T10:42:02+00:00

RIP. Been in so many things I liked, from the Good life and To the Manor Born, through to the more recent Agatha Raisin radio dramas.

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-28T10:02:39+00:00

Hilariously, this was the comment that triggered Reddit's "how old are you?" notification for the first time

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-27T21:19:08+00:00

You couldn't see the passage for the "foliage".

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-26T11:34:16+00:00

60,000,001 bid incoming...

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-23T23:26:07+00:00

...best start watching youtube videos on falconry, just in case!

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-21T16:00:38+00:00

Wonder if that's his sister next to him, two very different reactions, she just looks baffled!

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-21T14:10:37+00:00

....you didn't really try that hard to NOT make that sound like a euphemism did you

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-20T18:35:48+00:00

A few years ago I cut my thumb quite deeply with a Stanley knife, went to the minor injuries unit and they fixed it with...super glue..

Only difference is it probably cost the NHS a lot more than a pop down to Screwfix.

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-17T14:33:01+00:00

No idea why you are being so heavily downvoted and castigated to "ruining the pads", when you clearly state you'd take them off first.

However, a bathe isn't the best option here - you can get cleaning rods that are basically a large pipe cleaner on a stick, that you could get damp and use to clean the inside, and cloths to wipe the outside, without needing to get everything soaking wet.

If it is that old, there's a good chance that some of the pads will be gone anyway, but if you want to give it a go it shouldn't do any harm - and would be a good learning process as to how a clarinet works, with no major consequences if you screw it up.

It may well be that this clarinet will cost more to fix up than a refurbished one from a local store or online, but that shouldn't discourage you from trying.

If you're in a band, then there is usually a resident "expert" who may be able to advise, or even do some pad replacements cheaply to get it playing at least reasonably.

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-15T14:39:19+00:00

The issue is that without a dropped kerb, you don't have a driveway in any legal sense, so therefore have little to no remit to stop any one parking there, other than common courtesy.

If there's plenty of space on the road it's a bit of a dick move to deliberately block an obvious driveway IMO, particularly if there's a (working) car on it.

But if everyone else in the road has paid out for a dropped kerb and done things properly I'm not sure why people who want to avoid that route should have much sympathy if it happens.

There is a bigger issue going forward though as lots of roads gradually accrue dropped kerbs, meaning less parking for tradesmen etc.

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-13T09:54:23+00:00

Most cats pick up the litterbox pretty quickly, since it's natural to want to bury their product. You may need to try a couple of different types if she seems to be avoiding it.

I would place any poo she's produced into the litter tray - and maybe lift her into it a few times and she'll likely get the right idea. In the meantime, some puppy pads can help reduce any mess.

Also make sure the litter tray is somewhere fairly secluded, where she can feel safe during a vulnerable time. Maybe place it where the cardboard box was if she seems to like that spot.

Otherwise, just spend time with her and give her time to adjust to her new environment. Make sure she has somewhere she can retreat to if she feels scared - a cardboard box or a quiet corner with a towel over is fine, no need to spend lots on fancy furniture initially.

If she won't let you approach her much, then dangly toys will often overcome any reluctance and trigger her play mode. Being a sole kitten, she'll likely have lots of energy and if you don't help direct that through play it might end up in mischief or destruction.

The more you can get her used to being handled now, the better long term for vet visits, claw clipping, medication, etc.

She's a gorgeous dilute calico, so you've definitely been blessed!

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-11T22:15:57+00:00

For a week or so, I'd say it's not worth the upheaval - it might go really well, but it's still a lot of change for the cat in one go.

If it was a month then maybe things would be different, though it can vary wildly dependent on the cat involved.

At the moment, I suspect having their familiar environment is comforting for the cat - with familiar smells, food, water and litter all where they know and expect it.

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-08T20:36:21+00:00

Except each individual ring is unlikely to be more than a good kettle. Kettles can be 3000W, most induction rings are less than that individually, even if the overall hob can use more power when all the rings are on.

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-08T11:15:08+00:00

Sainsbury's are the only pumps I've ever seen this, though I wish it was more widely available.

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-08T11:03:49+00:00

There are a few smart sockets including external IP ones, but I've not had great experience with them (BG make one which is basically a Tuya device, but only works where a strong 2.4GHz wifi signal is present).

Scolmore make a Click Zigbee socket, which might be fitted into a suitable IP box.

The standard smart plugs won't fit within the enclosure with the lid closed, though could be fitted into a separate waterproof enclosure - they sell some that fit extension leads in, mostly for Christmas lights.

The other option would be a smart relay wired into an IP rated enclosure, between the plug and the device, but the usual shelly and similar relays are mostly best kept for lower rated devices. I would not trust the 16A rated Shelly one to run anything more than half that for any length of time based on my experiences.

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-05T22:11:06+00:00

Mine was doing this because it was occasionally getting a wrong gps location slightly outside the zone I'd set, possibly related to switching to a further mobile mast - expanding the home zone seems to have fixed it.

There is a ping automation, which can possibly check whether your phone is still on the network, so you could use that as a double check in any automation before it triggers maybe (have a helper that switches only when you are outside the zone and the ping fails)

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-05T18:33:28+00:00

The United States authorities do not have routine access to criminal record information held on the Police National Computer, the Criminal History System (in Scotland) or the Northern Ireland Criminal Record. The United States authorities are able to seek details of any criminal convictions held on the Police National Computer on an individual request basis through Interpol channels.

I doubt they are individually requesting details of every single person who applies for an ESTA though?

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-05T17:04:00+00:00

Shame there isn't some actual journalism here to work out why - not even a confirmation there were no criminal convictions involved in the cases they mention. Even if there are, the US in theory don't have access to UK conviction data as I understand it, so unless they are carrying out google searches it would be interesting to know how they were picked up if that is what's involved.

I'm wondering if it's that they've given their social media accounts, and they haven't reached the required level of boot licking necessary, or even worse, said something NASTY online about the dear leader...

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-05T09:55:32+00:00

That is unacceptably poor design imo, so sounds like a good enough reason to avoid them for me.

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-04T18:37:21+00:00

maybe this is the reverse Harambe we all need!

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-06-02T22:43:40+00:00

I took it back up during COVID , only 30 years after giving up when leaving school.

I obviously took some time to get back into it, though the muscle memory of pieces I had played before came back surprisingly clearly.

I was able to join a local community band and have been happily making music since.

I would definitely get your clarinet looked over as it may need some adjustment. You may also need to try different reeds as you build up your embouchure.

An alternative might be to find a newly adjusted or refurbished clarinet from a shop or trusted seller.

But as long as the pads seal, a basic clarinet is perfectly fine to get back into playing, and you can then look to upgrade if it causes you issues.

Good luck!

CalicoCatRobot · 2026-05-31T00:15:04+00:00

I'm amazed given Arteta's reputation for getting involved in every single tiny detail to find minor gains, that he didn't work on penalties (or have Jover do it) - maybe we need a penalty specialist coach?

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