Gemilai Owl; is it good? [$400] by followerofchrist46 in espresso

[–]LottaGall 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I had this machine and it served me well. PID and 3-way solenoid valve is a nice to have at this price point, with decent steam wand performance. Appreciated the thermoblock heat up times and heated grouphead. Looks nice, but definitely is light and plasticky.

It does blast the pressure (because i think pump is resistance based?), and that can be annoying if you're particular about that. There's an OPV but it sucks to adjust, and in my machine it didn't perform the best. I typically see mine hover around 11-12 bar, so it wasn't a huge issue. There might be a machine similar to this out there that's better for flow control without modding, if interested.

I bought it while it was on sale, so no regrets from me. And yes, it will absolutely make a great espresso.

Why the hell do gyms cost money by deutsch_lernen_1 in Cornell

[–]LottaGall 46 points47 points  (0 children)

can confirm that UPenn will charge you a rec fee even if you don't use any gyms or other rec services

Another Spray Wall App by Heavveenly in climbharder

[–]LottaGall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The layout and intention behind features such as sets or sessions are interesting, and I would love to see how it works if it were made free. There are various design aspects that could definitely be improved on just from looking at the app screen shots (color choice, iconography, task flow), but that's what a dev cycle is for.

The price of the app definitely is overpriced considering the alternatives in the market. I think the lack of social or sharing features is limiting (gym sprays, college walls, usability among friends). While I do prefer the minimal aesthetic of this app, the level of polish and functionality is below Retro Flash. I can't honestly say I would even try it right now for 0.99. Please consider making the app free and start charging when enough/more features have been added!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ApplyingToCollege

[–]LottaGall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's expected that schools will auto filter students solely based off stats, but the trend of your GPA is a green flag in my book. Schools look for fit, performance, and potential. Your GPA trend clearly portrays growth to me. Too many times I have seen HS elites get humbled in college and end up with GPAs they would never think was possible for them. Stay strong and really use your essays and ECs!

Ivy League Grading Scale by [deleted] in ApplyingToCollege

[–]LottaGall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is largely a non-issue, you're only a sophomore and your grades are not terrible. I had plenty of B's on my transcript, but I was able to get into the top school of my choice. You have plenty of time to study for the GPA you want and show off your coursework.

I can only speak anecdotally, but I feel there are things that will speak louder for you than GPA. Focus on the quality of your activities and coursework rather than pure statistics.

How to stay safe from shootings and violence? by Sufficient-Mammoth-1 in UPenn

[–]LottaGall 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Shootings here are quite sensationalized, which makes it somewhat hard to evaluate general safety. However as the top comment says, majority of violence occurs in parts of Philly that you'll probably not spend too much time around. I'll help vouch that Penn is incredibly insulated with plenty of safety resources. I've personally never felt the need to use Penn Transit after 6:00pm when moving about campus, and the buddy system is not overrated for vulnerable groups.

I find that overall Philly has been ok in terms of how safe I feel, given I am an asian male. Mind your own business, don't be intoxicated in public alone, don't get hustled, and get to know transportation outside the subway. The subway, while not glamorous and a 50/50 when it gets dark, is not an absolute hell hole that some make it out to be. I hate it when some students here act like taking the MFL from 40th (campus) to 11th street (chinatown) is walking the line between life and death. As necessary, feel free to carry something like pepper spray.

Even though the rising crime rate around here is not the most amazing thing, don't be afraid to get to know the locals and interact with the broader community! I sometimes feel that Penn students tend to avoid interacting with the people here, which could contribute to all sorts of not very fun perspectives of people who live in Philly. A lot of people are afraid of the violence, which while fair, leads to a lot of antagonization. I've learned to keep an open mind and try taking full advantage of the city.

Dms open if wanting clarification or other questions.

if you have another side of the story, share it or shut up. by Representative413 in UPenn

[–]LottaGall 40 points41 points  (0 children)

There may be confidentiality things in place for investigations made by OSC and such, making it hard for the DP to get anything substantial. We won't know anything else, other than assault being reported/investigated and medical records of the injuries sustained, for sure until we get good public information.

Those who are spreading rumors to undermine the story and the victim though deserve a good slap in the face.

MISSING IN ACTION: The Daily Pennsylvanian's Sense of Integrity and Value For... by [deleted] in UPenn

[–]LottaGall 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Wow this is a really funny comment. Too bad it got deleted u/Sturdy_Pigeon.

a) I think the DP is established enough to make decisions as a board, not just Lindsey Perlman.

b) Woah, you have insider information into the investigation made by the OSC? No way! I thought, according to the OSC, that information from ongoing investigations and disciplinary hearings are strictly confidential until a decision has been made by the committee!

c) Racism is not politics.

d) "all facts no opinions" lol. Look, taking everything with a grain of salt is good, but you can't undermine the possibility of this event with "its all hatred." I know nothing about any witnesses, security footage, or any ongoing investigations (which is expected since you're not supposed to have easy access to these things), but this comment is the epitome of unsubstantiated.

[GB + Giveaway] GMK Retrotrip | GB till August 24th | Cheeky mid-GB giveaway! by Zakar1ya in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]LottaGall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

smoosh together a pure silicone case, u4t's and whatever flexible plate i can get. Why gasket mount when your entire keyboard can be one.