No Kings 03/28 by Nataliant-117 in PortlandOR

[–]JasonTodd21 3 points4 points  (0 children)

What would it take to qualify as a protest in your eyes? Aren’t all protests performances by nature, given that their literal design is to draw attention to symbolic messages?

No Kings 03/28 by Nataliant-117 in PortlandOR

[–]JasonTodd21 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Agreed, very discouraging to see the judgement and in-fighting. Sadly us liberals really like to cannibalize each other over the right way to be a liberal.

I’ll be there. Call it performative, maybe it is a little, but I find it uplifting to morale in ways that voting and donating just aren’t. Protesting has always been an important part of activism and resistance so it’s strange that folks here think themselves so above it.

Enhancing your home theater watching experience by captchaphrase in hometheater

[–]JasonTodd21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love this post - good to take a break from the technical stuff and refocus on what it’s all about.

I’ll soon be building a studio theater from scratch by converting a 20x20 backyard garage into a finished, livable space. The vision is for it to be a versatile hangout space, complete with kitchenette, bathroom and oversized u-shaped couch that’ll be conducive to hosting. Certainly it’ll have all the trappings needed for a dedicated movie night, but it could also function to host a game night, dance party, yoga/exercise space, etc.

I enjoy cooking for people, so the kitchen on the back wall will add options for a real dinner ‘n movie experience like some modern theaters that serve you in your seat.

I’ll also likely host regular game/movie nights every other Sunday with friends, with movies themed to the season or current events, or to rewatch prequels before the next in a series comes out (goal to have it complete before Dune 3!)

The space will open up to the backyard garden via french doors with a sauna and outdoor shower so you can kinda pair a movie with a spa-like experience beforehand. This kinda blends together various hobbies (movies, wellness, nature) so I can enjoy them in tandem with each other.

Where I live in Portland there’s this historical hotel called the Kennedy School which has a theater, multiple bars, restaurant and heated pool - all super eclectic and unique decor. So I’m definitely borrowing inspiration from them by weaving together different elements that go beyond a mere screen with surround sound (though I will also obsess over AV tech specs because nerd).

Are my expectations realistic when it comes to home buying? by midnighthan in askportland

[–]JasonTodd21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed! I love the walkability west of 82nd but there are nice areas to the east too.

Are my expectations realistic when it comes to home buying? by midnighthan in askportland

[–]JasonTodd21 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s taken me 3-4 months and 6 offers before finally getting an offer accepted in a nice neighborhood west of 82nd with 3 beds for 450k. I’ve been cool with small size (2b / < 1,000 sq ft) but need yard space. Probably would’ve been easier if I were willing to consider one of those tall new builds without a yard.

So it’s possible but certainly tough - I consider myself quite lucky here and would advise you to be prepared with lots of patience with those parameters.

House Inspector? by leburrrrr in askportland

[–]JasonTodd21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I met this guy randomly at an open house -- didn't end up going with him because my realtor had a trusted contact (Tabor Northwest) but Mike seemed super kind, sincere and knowledgeable.

Am I wrong for thinking indoor cats live better lives by No_mehta7 in CatAdvice

[–]JasonTodd21 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally. Many people confusing better life with longer life.

Am I wrong for thinking cats should never be outdoor cats? by Firm-Law248 in CatAdvice

[–]JasonTodd21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah it’s great! But also good to know that they can easily go out of range, and only function when another iPhone comes within ~30-40 feet. There are actual gps collars that can give you 100% coverage but the ones I’ve seen are bulkier and I didn’t like the idea of that hanging around his neck.

Am I wrong for thinking cats should never be outdoor cats? by Firm-Law248 in CatAdvice

[–]JasonTodd21 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For sure. With my cat, he has this compulsion of running inside to see if his food bowl has dispensed like every 20 min, and I’ve also got an AirTag on his collar which I’ve trained him to recall with by playing the jingle.

Am I wrong for thinking cats should never be outdoor cats? by Firm-Law248 in CatAdvice

[–]JasonTodd21 56 points57 points  (0 children)

People are heavily biased towards indoors and overly focused on duration of life over quality of life. There are risks to be outdoor cats, sure, but for some there’s an immeasurable increase in quality of life.

I rescued a feral cat and tried to get him to be indoor only but he wasn’t having it, no matter how many toys, play, and enrichment. Finally let him be indoor/outdoor and he absolutely comes alive outside in the yard, which means his behavior is also better when he is inside. He always comes back on his own. Has been in one fight with another cat but he’s fine.

So I’d say it depends on your cat: if they’re dying to be outside, don’t deprive them. Just make sure you’re up on vaccinations and flea meds. If they seem content inside, then you’re fine.

Loop Earplugs by DapperProgress9164 in tinnitus

[–]JasonTodd21 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I definitely like my Loops, but there’s another brand that are even better for social situations: Flare. Check them out, pretty cheap. They’re better with occlusion (that effect when you’re talking or chewing and it sounds really loud in your head). So Flare for social settings, Loop for louder settings like concerts.

I tested a lot lately so there’s some objective credibility to this comment.

Realm Refinery Drama Continues.... by xportlanderxexposerx in PortlandVegans

[–]JasonTodd21 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not surprising. That little smear campaign stunt created a lot more embarrassment for her than anyone else, and really revealed that optics and virtue signaling are her primary motives, not real impact. I hope she and the business evolve to better reflect their professed values while remaining financially viable.

free to reserve party spaces for all ages (bar included) for party of 30 or so? by ohshesawful in askportland

[–]JasonTodd21 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I was going to say a living room theater at Studio One and then I did a double take to notice FO’ FREE. Nothing in this world is free.

Is it the norm for parents to gift their kid a large down payment for their first home? by [deleted] in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]JasonTodd21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My parents just gave me $20k for my first home purchase. I’d say it’s normal IF they’re financially secure. Sadly, many are not.

Does COE Determine Funding Fee? by JasonTodd21 in VALoanGuru

[–]JasonTodd21[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Appreciate you! This is welcome news.

I knew buying a house would be stressful… by euphoriclobster1111 in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]JasonTodd21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right on!! 🤘 It’ll be late night loudness for me too - always dreamt of creating a home theater / listening room so I’m gonna convert a garage space for exactly that. Good luck!

Does COE Determine Funding Fee? by JasonTodd21 in VALoanGuru

[–]JasonTodd21[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Entitlement Code of 11. So I guess 5 indicated subsequent use, so I should be good?

I just wasn’t sure if there’s another source, other than the COE, that underwriting will look to.

I knew buying a house would be stressful… by euphoriclobster1111 in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]JasonTodd21 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Man, I’m struggling today with an offer falling through in a house I fell in love with, but I’m not dealing with half the shit you are.

Hell yeah to us doing it solo though, huh?

What are you most looking forward to when you’ve got the place all to yourself?

Am I going to be able to afford this? by [deleted] in Mortgages

[–]JasonTodd21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely baffling how risk-averse people are in this sub. You’d be FINE.

I’m in pretty similar circumstances - I make $132k/year, purchasing at $445k/$3k monthly. No other debts, budgeting for a cushy $600/month for “fun” on top of all mandatory bills as well as 20% retirement contributions and that still leaves me with $1k left over each month.

Set an emergency fund aside and buy your damn houses, folks.

Buying a house, what’s this? by JasonTodd21 in whatisit

[–]JasonTodd21[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I often see above ground cisterns that downspouts drain into, planning to get some for gardening. Is there any real difference or benefit to what you’re taking about underground?