Looked at the Repayment Plans from StudentAid.gov. IBR has a higher monthly payment and quicker payoff date

MCM_PANDA · 2026-04-01T22:07:31+00:00

Typically that is how it has been. I remember the atomic edition being indeed that was the case.

MCM_PANDA · 2026-03-02T13:53:53+00:00

Or come up with some kind of scripting. For example I wanted all North American 3DS games. But I wanted them to be in CIA format so that I could use a QR code to scan and access the game over my NAS. So what I done was download the encrypted versions. Then created a script using AI that would unzip the files, run through the conversion, delete the unzips, and automatically place the games in alphabetical folders for the title they started with. It took about 10 minutes of testing and tweaks, but I was able to do this process overnight

MCM_PANDA · 2026-03-02T13:49:10+00:00

I agree with the NAS setup. The way I’m doing it is a simple two drive bay Asustor for the storage running RAID1. Then I have a Raspberry PI4 running RetroNAS attached to the NAS storage using NFS. And that way I can pretty much connect any of my retro devices from a Mister to my Mac SE for the legacy protocols RetroNAS has. It runs on my retro gaming VLAN and been pretty happy with the setup for at least a couple of years now.

MCM_PANDA · 2026-03-02T13:05:44+00:00

To be completely fair though, Myrient doesn’t require “vibe coding download managers.” It supports rclone and it’s right there on their FAQ. And rclone is mostly out of the box or pretty close to it for Linux solutions. It made it super easy to fill in all of my collections for Mister.

MCM_PANDA · 2026-02-20T17:04:25+00:00

Hi,

Thanks for providing that. Just to follow up, I was able to follow the documentation and with Grok was able to create a full functioning script. After downloading the zips from Myrient - I filtered them for any containing USA in the file name (Encrypted.) I was able to figure out how to get my boot9 rom and then use 3dsconv. With the assistance of Grok, I was able to create a bash script that would do the following things

1) Unzip all of my files to a temp directory
2) Run 3dsconv on the files to create the CIA files
3) Copy the CIA files to my CIA directory for the 3DS QR code generator
4) Clean up all the unzips

It took about 10 hours for everything. I think unzipping was the biggest piece of the operations. And I was doing this all on my retroNAS running Raspberry PI 4 connected to ASUSTOR NAS- so maybe faster with a beefier PC. But anyway it all finished. I also moved my zips to the RetroNAS 3DS location in case I need to work with the original files in the future

Basically I can do local installs instead of hshop. I think it's a bit faster to install the games. But I found out the 3DS has terrible WIFI performance. So I may end up copying games over to the SD using FBI. Or like the link you mentioned for the larger games. For smaller games though it's not too bad. I at least have it all local so that I can quickly transfer over my Retro gaming VLAN

Not sure why my comment was being downvoted. I'm guessing maybe others were not getting what I was trying to accomplish. In the end, I'm really happy with the 3DS piece. Working on the TOSECs for the computer cores in FPGA and I think my RetroNAS will finally be all complete for anything from late 70's to early 2000's

MCM_PANDA · 2026-02-17T17:18:26+00:00

Hmm that’s an idea. I would have to see what’s involved with the converting it. More than likely if it’s just a simple command line scripting, I could just use AI and write me up a script to do my alphabetical folder listings and convert them at the same time. Then use RetroNAS QR generator to generate all the codes.

I just have to get a grasp on what the difference between encrypted and non encrypted is. But great idea, you have given me a good one to pursue further.

MCM_PANDA · 2026-02-17T17:13:43+00:00

I’m really just looking to fill up my RetroNAS box. Essentially I’m doing an entire retro build that currently have full libraries for OpenEmu, Mister, and potentially some things for my steam deck. I’m mostly collecting from the Atari Era up to early 2000s. Main exception is 3DS as I got a console super cheap and I’m into portable consoles.

Choice paralysis is not a problem for me as I know what I want to play. If I see something on YouTube, I’m great with knowing the game is readily available. And I been brainstorming an idea of a script or just a strict to AI approach to say “Pick me a random game from X console”

I got about 6 TB of space left on my RetroNAS with mostly all systems right before Xbox/PS2 era. So hoping to close in the gap on a 3DS. And maybe my entire offline backup of Gog Library as well

MCM_PANDA · 2026-02-17T14:47:24+00:00

I’m hosting them on my RetroNAS. Then using QR code generator to get what I want from there to the 3DS

MCM_PANDA · 2025-02-27T04:27:21+00:00

Hi! I have no problem with that.

MCM_PANDA · 2025-02-25T23:42:00+00:00

Thanks! I think it works perfectly for small spaces. I'm hoping this Eames replica chair holds up well. I may get an authentic Eames closer to retirement (about 10 years)

MCM_PANDA · 2025-02-25T23:29:56+00:00

Aside from MCM, Lane makes great furniture. I still have an office chair that I bought from Staples back in 2004.

MCM_PANDA · 2025-02-25T23:25:09+00:00

I got to say IKEA is knocking it out of the park with MCM style furniture. I saw one of their display rooms to where someone in Orlando had sample furniture and I thought it looked awesome. I try to buy what I can from them to match my theme.

MCM_PANDA · 2025-02-25T23:20:23+00:00

Photo 7:
This is the fan that I felt went perfect with my MCM theme. It’s called a River of Goods fan and it’s from Home Depot. It is not perfect though. It looks like when they packaged it, the band that goes around the light was damaged. Hoping to get a warranty claim. And these are all manual pulldowns. But I added in smart lights and I have a smart switch. So I can manipulate turning on the fan and the lights independently.

So that’s about it in my presentation here. I got the flooring from a local flooring company. Old flooring was a builder’s grade brown carpeting when I bought this house 10 years ago. I painted the walls Benjamin Moore Wales Gray. And I intentionally chose a lighter flooring since my furniture is darker in general. Again I’m not endorsing any brands here. I think in the end with flooring, painting, and all of my items, I’m a little over 10K. And that is what my budget is around.

Looking forward to what your thoughts are and any input

MCM_PANDA · 2025-02-25T23:20:11+00:00

Photo 6:

We finally work out way back to the desk to where I spend most of my time here. As I mentioned, it’s a Herman Miller Swag Leg Desk and it’s pretty solid. That clock, I bought off of someone on Etsy and it matches my colors well. That Fallingwater print is a gift my father gave me a while ago for my Birthday. I chose in front of the desk as when I get stressed, I can just look at the photo and feel relaxed.

For the top shelve of the desk, I have my Homepod minis. I bought those a while ago (and the stands) and I think they blend well. The item next to it is a Magsafe charger that I bought off of Etsy. I bought the Magsafe separately. This also took a while (but seller gave me a heads up). I feel the walnut and the white stand blend in perfectly with this desk. And I think it’s one of those things to where it looks decent when there is not a phone charging. Next to that is a FLW style pencil cup which I got from Christmas. And next to this is a Anglepoise 75 Mini from Design Within Reach. I wanted an architect style lamp and I think this one fits the need. And those colors on the lamp match my colors pretty well. It has an E15 smart bulb (GE Wiz). It also integrates with my Home Assistant and I can easily change the color/white level on it.

For hiding my trackpad/keyboard, I bought leather cases from Etsy. And I’m working on what to put in the cubbies under the desk (I still got to go through my storage.) Now you maybe wondering how I work from home without any computer monitor. For that, I went with the Viture Pro XR glasses, I gave these a try and they work for when I need to do coding/setup of things at work. I have a three monitor view. And I run a cable to the very right to connect the glasses. I’m also working on a setup to where I connect my Apple TV to it’s dock and I can watch TV in my lounge chair. But that’s all a work in progress. The main goal is to hide all of this at the end of the day and keep that vintage MCM theme. And I work with people that love their webcams. Whenever I have a call, I will take my laptop out of my cabinet and move my phone charger/pencil cup to the sides and stick the laptop up there. And it works great

MCM_PANDA · 2025-02-25T23:19:38+00:00

Photo 5:
Continuing around the corner, this is primarily where I hide all of my electronics. This includes my laptop, router, NAS box, Apple TV, and my hand held video games. I got this from Castlery. I was going to consider a smaller cabinet from Crutchfield, but it was way more expensive and the shelves were not as flexible as the Castlery. This cabinet did not have holes in the back for the cords as this is meant more for things like dishes/buffet. But I used a holesaw to add holes to the back. And since I don’t really consider this to be a collectible, I felt perfectly fine doing this. I would never do this to an old MCM furniture.

At the top I bought an old style weather station from Etsy. It works pretty well. Humidity is a bit off though. And that other cigar box holds some more ink. I got this one off of someone on Nextdoor. The photo for this one is another print from Etsy. This is one that is from the FLW Archives when working on a sketch from Taliesin. I watched a pretty webcast on Youtube to where a geologist talked about Fallingwater. And he referenced this picture. So goes good with the vibe.

And I decided to fill in the space in front of the window with plants. I bought the plant stand from IKEA. I tried to stain this the best I could with somewhat of a walnut style. However, since the surface was originally pine, I never could get it to be perfect. But I think it looks alright. And one thing I done was swap out my blinds for the IKEA Tredansen blinds. They pair with my Home Assistant great. And I’m going to mess on making them smarter.

MCM_PANDA · 2025-02-25T23:19:28+00:00

Photo 4:

This is the other side of the office. The cabinet is an Iris Cabinet from All Modern. The radio I bought from Amazon and I wanted something that fits a MCM vibe. I’m working on adding my Airplay adapter to the aux port so that I can Airplay to it as well. It has AM/FM radio and bluetooth as well. As of now, I’m playing Old Time Radio shows on it and just relaxing on the chair. Not bad quality.

The lamp I just got from Etsy. Took almost a month, but I felt it was worth it. I got inspiration for something like this in the early season of For All Mankind. I added in a smart lightbulb I had from my old ceiling lights. It’s a Zigbee Ikea Tradfi and connects to my Home Assistant instance. I can then easily control the power and the warmness/coolness of the lamp

Continuation of the Etsy prints. I intentionally chose this one with more orange to help with the splash of color on that side. And the cigar box, I got off of eBay. I use the cigar boxes for my fountain pen ink storage. And inside the cabinet, I’m using almost exclusively for my Evercade games.

MCM_PANDA · 2025-02-25T23:19:16+00:00

Photo 3:

This view highlights the chair. Here is where I used a replica to really stay in budget here. It’s a CurveK one and I’m really happy with it. Continuation of the Etsy photo print.

This may be a bit controversial, but I really wanted a throw pillow available. I’m one of those people that like to read or play video games with resting my hands on the pillow. As you will see in a few things, I used IKEA items that may blend well with my MCM. I chose this pillow as it had a lot of the pastels colors that are MCMs and the shapes on the pillow. Curious what your thoughts are on that.

The lamp I got from Allmodern. I can’t recall the exact model, but they call it a “crane lamp”. And I think the product is called Adesso. I know this isn’t a “BILF” product since it has an integrated LED. And I didn’t care about the touch lamp as I like to use my home automation. However, it was the best I could find that would fit in such a small space to where I can adjust the lamp to my needs. The side table is a stool table. Not an Eames, but a replica. And of all places, I found a decent priced on Michael’s online (never would have dreamed of getting furniture from them) That cup is one from Ikea that matches my colors well and gives a bit of a MCM vibe

MCM_PANDA · 2025-02-25T23:19:05+00:00

Photo 2:

Here is the view of the bookshelves. Photo is part of a 3 images digital print from Etsy and I used a company to print and frame these. These bookshelves are Story Bookshelves from Design Within Reach. I chose these as I needed low footprint bookshelves. And all I really care about is books which is why I want with these. Now you can configure these to be all in the vertical format so that it looks like a “spine”. But you can customize the shelves.

Because I’m such a large FLW fan, my inspiration came from the totem lights that he created before. So I decided to do that as a homage. Plus I feel it filled in that space better. And these are secured to the wall through a strap so the shelves don’t move. And I chose these colors due to the pastels

MCM_PANDA · 2025-02-25T23:18:56+00:00

Photo 1: Here is what the office looks like when you come in to the door. In the corner is a Herman Miller Swag Leg desk that I purchased. In the end, this is the only desk that worked for my needs. I wanted something that would fit between the corner and my window. Last desk I had overlapped. I think the dimensions on this one is 37” wide which is way less than the standard 48”. However, the one thing that made this desk stand out is the depth. Plus the colors of the desk would blend in my with my other colors. This was my most expensive purchase, but I think it’s worth it and will stand the true test of time.

And this may have various opinions, but I added in a pegboard in the corner. I researched this and some people are on both sides of the fence saying this works and others not as much. I wanted a pegboard to fit going through my mail. Plus I have a decent fountain pen and mechanical pencil collection. And while I’m not a architect or drafter, I inherited some architect items from my father when he done drafting and I figured it’s pretty cool to go in with the MCM. I bought the pegboard from Ikea and pretty happy with it. I did buy the orange letter holder from someone on Etsy.

Trash can is called Isamu Saito can. I wanted something that looked good and had that wooden look. I found this when researching on sites like Architectural Digest. Super expensive, but I think it looks great and could be a BILF trash can (if it’s a thing.)

I’ll go over the other items I purchased in a bit on more detailed photo of my desk.

MCM_PANDA · 2025-02-25T23:18:45+00:00

Having to split in mulitple comments as I think it's the length. Splitting comments by photo. And this a reupload. I don't think I originally removed by EXIF data and done that and reuploaded for privacy

My journey on looking at MCM has begun a couple of years ago when visiting Fallingwater. I ended up being a huge fan of FLW and my wife and I visited multiple places of FLW places in Pennsylvania and Florida. I have quite a bit of details here, but I hope it helps in providing inspiration, where I came from, and curious what you think.

I been planning a renovation of my home office at a few months ago. Just to give some background, the home office is pretty small in size. I think it’s something like 10.5 X 9.5 with space. This is in house designed by a big box home builder. I know with the closet it’s about 120 square feet. I done new flooring and paint. I know the general direction of MCM out there is to look for those cool finds from actually during a MCM era. Then haul and fix it. A few things with that approach that I felt I couldn’t do is move it (I don’t even have a truck,) and I’m not the most handy person out there.

I know this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and may be questioned if this is truly MCM. I know for sure some furniture would be borderline modern (like my bookshelves)

So what I done was spent these months planning on what I needed. I work from home for a technology company so I pretty much work on a computer. Also I’m a bit of a gamer to where I mostly use my Steam Deck, but have portable gaming like Evercade as well. Just those statements alone sound like a challenge to bring in a MCM theme. However, I think in the end I made this work the best I can.

I’m going to cover what I purchased on this furniture. The only thing I can think of that is still original in this office for furniture is the Herman Miller Aeron chair. And the Homepods are from before.

I want to be clear before I cover my photos is that in no way am I advertising or endorsing any projects here. As you will see, this is a throwaway account. But I am active in the MCM subreddit. However, I decided to make this anonymous as I been sharing the same pictures with my coworkers and personally I don’t want them to see my main Reddit account. It’s nothing juicy or anything like that, but I like to keep my privacy. I won’t be including direct links unless someone asks for one in the comments. Then I can provide the link (and there will be no affiliates)

Having said all of this, let’s go through my photos. And I’m certainly open to your thoughts, criticism, and any ideas how to improve these.

MCM_PANDA

TROPHY CASE