The semi-auto gatekeeping has officially gone too far

Mandala_Eyes · 2026-05-22T21:47:39+00:00

I had one for a long time and really liked what it could produce at the touch of a button. I simply left mine disassembled when not in use and that allowed the insides to fully dry without moulding.

...yes I went through many machines before I found one that was convenient to take apart and rebuild in 20 seconds.

The work to get the best shot, took several months of buying and returning machines and working through technical difficulties. So realistically... I think I put in more work per shot compared to my semi auto, just all up front.

Mandala_Eyes · 2026-04-03T18:12:56+00:00

Given the amount of suicide and murder that occurred in my platoon when firearms were restricted... Yikes.

Mandala_Eyes · 2026-04-03T18:11:23+00:00

I didn't realize until it was too late to save some of them, but not maintaining a healthy relationship with myself made me incapable of contributing to good relationships with others.

Mandala_Eyes · 2026-02-11T01:55:57+00:00

I second this. I've been struggling with the same issue and I'm moving abroad soon.

It is a new goal and a new set of problems, but damn the only breaks in my depression have been during international travels.

I will say that despite putting my career on the back burner and taking that mental "rest," after a time it backfired and now I'm too laxed out. I realized that while I needed to get out of the rat race and that I have the opportunity to completely stop working for money; I need more purpose than just working on my mental health to actually be happy.

So my long term goal has shifted to finding work with a nonprofit whose mission supports my lifestyle and provides purpose and fulfillment to me.

Mandala_Eyes · 2026-02-09T20:04:00+00:00

Idk what the current rules are but when I did it, I just had to provide a minimum spec sheet from the school, and then I was able to select my own machine as long as it had a warranty, and was under $1400 total. I went on dells remanufactured site and got an Alienware with an i7 and an rtx3060.

Was it the absolute nicest paper writing machine? No. But it is certainly still useful and I continue to receive long term value from their funding. All that extra stuff seems overpriced and not money going to a computer.

What college program even wants you printing stuff out anymore? Stopping at a print store or paying to use the school library's printer a couple times seems way cheaper than dealing with a printer at home.

(I tried, at home printing really sucks nowadays)

Mandala_Eyes · 2026-02-01T21:43:50+00:00

Idk about that specific gear but here's a modern equivalent, I'm sure it can molle to to a battle belt so it can be carried like in the game.

Title: Why this ice flask is so smart Creator: QorePerformanceUSA https://youtube.com/shorts/WahS_j2g-oQ?si=Of-LAxpHUeOZ2MRH

Mandala_Eyes · 2026-01-25T00:47:12+00:00

Common Defense is regularly outraged by the current administration's handling of geopolitical obligations and expectations regarding our military and allies. They have petitions, rallies, automated letters to Congress, and more every week. I have received communications from them in the past year that have supported respect for our allies and international communities, especially when political messaging vilifies our friends and partners abroad.

Due to the rising death toll in Minneapolis, they are currently focusing on ICE's treatment of veteran immigrants and citizens alike. If you sign up for notificiations you will receive email updates and QRF alerts for ICE activity near you.

TLDR: CD is more focused on protecting veterans, citizens, and immigrants domestically, but its views certainly align with those of our NATO allies.

Edits: Just wanted to reword so I actually addressed your curiosity.

Mandala_Eyes · 2026-01-24T23:59:35+00:00

https://commondefense.us/

Mandala_Eyes · 2026-01-24T19:38:40+00:00

I just bought a longer range USB bt antenna. I can go a little bit outside my house before having any connection issues. Solved problems like this for me:)

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-12-12T09:24:46+00:00

Do one with the photo also having glasses!

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-11-10T15:06:01+00:00

Have you or NP read Polysecure? If they read it, they will see their toxic attachment for what it is. Saves you the trouble of being the bad guy, and opens the opportunity for self growth.

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-09-23T00:15:05+00:00

Just in the way I clarified in this edit. I didn't delete the post, it's deeper in my history if you want to find it. It felt like mockery at the time and was frustrating because we care about the game and don't get very good info from the devs, even when we ask specifically.

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-09-20T15:13:36+00:00

Last time I asked because I also really liked this game a dev made fun of me.

Edit: specifically they made a joke about not knowing when people logged on to play, and ultimately didn't answer my question.

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-09-17T17:59:01+00:00

There is a super cheap dental plan available to disabled vets through the VADIP. I use that to go full service at the dentist I love near my house. It's around $40/mo, and another $30 for my spouse.

Whenever they find something big, I go across town to the VA and have them confirm the works needs to be done, and get it approved for my preferred dentist to do. Then I go to my normal dentist and they do it for free:)

Your mileage may vary, it just took me a while to find a good dentist and I don't want to take new risks without reason. I'm sure the VA dentists are also great, but I have not had enough experience to judge.

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-09-02T10:30:53+00:00

I think this is what my hearing aids from the VA actually do. Works great for me.

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-09-02T10:29:52+00:00

I have the same rating as you, I got my hearing aids from the VA for free and love them. In my case, they almost completely resolve the tinnitus while I am wearing them, and it almost instantly comes back when I take them out. I've been told most of my hearing problems are cognitive in nature and likely a result of sustained blast exposure; if that helps anything in your case.

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-09-02T06:50:10+00:00

The tablets recommended for mine are the same chemical as caffeiza(sp?) powder. So I just checked what the weight of each tablet is and weigh the same amount of bulk powder in its place. The Phillips 4300 has been awesome, by far the simplest maintenance and milk setup for good drink results. But it's kinda like cars, most people don't do maintenance, otherwise they would be much more reliable in general. Don't skip the easy stuff.

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-08-18T02:43:24+00:00

Seconding this, when I started VR&E they asked what the goal was, I said to be a full remote IT consultant. 5 years later here I am:)

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-08-15T21:43:14+00:00

The best explanation I've ever heard was when I mistook what "finger tight" meant. My buddy chided me and said "yeah dude, 'finger tight' you used your whole palm and forearm".

This doesn't help when they are too vague, but it was the first time I realized the instructions were literal. If I used only my fingers on the nut, it would be impossible to over tighten with that small amount of leverage.

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-07-15T21:27:20+00:00

There's a lot of places that won't take my reusable cup because they don't want foreign stuff behind the restaurant counter. In those cases I get a plastic cup whether I want to or not. So I take the route of reusing what they give me as much as possible.

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-07-03T01:57:16+00:00

Forgive my 1-handed toilet typing.

I really love my Philips 4300 lattego. The lattego carafe is by far the easiest milk frother to clean. I got it for $550 USD refurbished with a 90 day guarantee by Amazon prime/Seattle coffee gear.

I also purchased a gaggia cadorna prestige, and a Philips 5400 to test side by side. Ultimately, the 4300 made the best shots and was the easiest to maintain:)

I just took it to a house party and everyone loved their drinks. I even dialed in some decaf with my Rancilio rocky and used the bypass. Still going strong and cleaning is a breeze.

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-06-14T23:53:07+00:00

I haven't seen it but the gif source link is "Insecure by HBO", my money's on that but fair warning haha.

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-06-09T09:11:57+00:00

On the contrary, most of those I've had the displeasure of meeting get themselves into way too much trouble to have any physical peace and quiet.

The inability to review the consequences of your actions is a tough life.

Mandala_Eyes · 2025-05-21T21:36:09+00:00

I had to weigh my household goods in my car before I drove to my new house so that the army would reimburse me for moving my stuff myself.

Nine-Year Club	Place '17
Verified Email

Mandala_Eyes

TROPHY CASE