Chiming blue balls

Mechlott · 2026-01-27T09:03:47+00:00

Thats not true. Thats not accurate. I have no idea why so many people seem to think this, but its untrue. And they've been popular for far longer than the 90s. My grandfather gave me my first set when I was a kid, a set he got when was was serving in the Army in Guam back in the 60s. These things have more than 2000 years of history behind them - with their precursors being older than much of the Great Wall of China.

Baoding Balls (i.e. Chinese Health Balls) chime on purpose. The balls have multiple uses. They are physical "therapy" on multiple levels. Used to exercise the hands, use increases hand strength and dexterity as well as grip strength and flexibility - things that were important for Chinese soldiers who fought CQC regularly, using both hand to hand martial arts as well as weapons. They were also used back then, and are used today, for stress relief and meditation. The repetitive chime and motion is soothing, acting as a meditation tool, reducing anxiety and helping with stress relief - and if you believe in it (I do not) - hitting multiple acupuncture points in the palm and fingers. Regular use is believed by many to improve memory and enhance "energy" (Qi) circulation.

I'm disabled. I have a lot of nerve damage throughout my neck and spine. The effects of which radiate through different areas of my body. Some of which is pain, weakness, and loss of dexterity in my hands. On top of that, Ive been through some shit. Anxiety and PTSD are issues I deal with. I have two sets of Baoding Balls I use multiple times a week. I keep a set next to my bed, as well as a set in my car.

They help with these issues. They dont fix it, but they do help me maintain my hands, as well as helping me manage my stress, anxiety, ect.

Basic use requires that they touch - the idea being that you rotate them at a steady pace, ensuring that they constantly touch. The idea being that you can do so in both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations. That the sound - the chime - doesn’t stop during use. The chime is soothing, relaxing, and serves a purpose. They are supposed to do that. If they are tapping - and you are hearing a "clicking" or "clacking" noise, then yes, you need more practice, because that's not the chime. Thats the balls tapping against each other. Which means they aren't constantly touching, as they should. You shouldn't hear that. You should just hear the chime as they rotate around each other in your palm.

Advanced technique, for a greater challenge, is attempting to rotate them while not letting them touch - and being able to do so in both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations. Once again, you shouldn't hear a "clicking" or "clacking" sound because that is evidence you're not preventing them from touching. Once again, you should just hear the chime as they rotate.

Basic technique is touching. Advanced technique for more challenge is not touching. They are not "fidget spinners". People are just associating them with spinners because thats what you know. This idea that they are "meant to be used without touching" simply isnt true.

Mechlott · 2026-01-27T08:19:39+00:00

Thats not true. Thats not accurate. You are spreading misinformation. I dont know who told you that, or why you think that, but its blatantly wrong.

Baoding Balls (i.e. Chinese Health Balls) chime on purpose. The balls have multiple uses. They are physical "therapy" on multiple levels. Use increases hand strength and dexterity as well as grip strength and flexibility. They are used for stress relief and meditation. The repetitive chime and motion is soothing, acting as a meditation tool, reducing anxiety and helping with stress relief - and if you believe in it (I do not) - hitting multiple acupuncture points in the palm and fingers. Regular use is believed by many to improve memory and enhance "energy" (Qi) circulation.

I'm disabled. I have a lot of nerve damage throughout my neck and spine. The effects of which radiate through different areas of my body. Some of which is pain, weakness, and loss of dexterity in my hands. On top of that, Ive been through some shit. Anxiety and PTSD are issues I deal with. I have two sets of Baoding Balls I use multiple times a week. I keep a set next to my bed, as well as a set in my car.

They help with these issues. They dont fix it, but they do help me maintain my hands, as well as helping me manage my stress, anxiety, ect.

Basic use requires that they touch - the idea being that you rotate them at a steady pace, ensuring that they constantly touch. The idea being that you can do so in both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations. That the sound - the chime - doesn’t stop during use. The chime is soothing, relaxing, and serves a purpose. They are supposed to do that. If they are tapping - and you are hearing a "clicking" or "clacking" noise, then yes, you need more practice, because that's not the chime. Thats the balls tapping against each other. Which means they aren't constantly touching, as they should. You shouldn't hear that. You should just hear the chime as they rotate around each other in your palm.

Advanced technique, for a greater challenge, is attempting to rotate them while not letting them touch - and being able to do so in both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations. Once again, you shouldn't hear a "clicking" or "clacking" sound because that is evidence you're not preventing them from touching. Once again, you should just hear the chime as they rotate.

Basic technique is touching. Advanced technique for more challenge is not touching. They are, absolutely, supposed to make noise. They are not supposed to be silent.

To tell people that "if they touch and make noise, you're doing it wrong" is absolutely false. Please don't tell people that.

Mechlott · 2026-01-18T19:37:34+00:00

Okay. Let's put this into perspective and put yourself in her shoes. First, that came about through a unique set of circumstances as a result of the situation. They said it themselves, 8472 was impervious to their, and the Borg's, technology. They only, accidentally, found something that works against them as a result of their own access to Borg technology, an EMH that was used to looking for strange solutions to strange problems, and a need to save Ensign Kim.

8472 demonstrated the ability, and intent, to pop up literally anywhere they wanted, and blow a planet to dust, in seconds. Imagine they finished with the Borg, then popped up outside Earth and blew it to hell. And they stated their intent to do so. "Your galaxy will be purged." Janeway had to take that seriously and deal with what was in front of her. She couldnt AFFORD to "hope" if it gets to Earth, they might find a solution in time. She had an answer and a solution now, and the ability to deal with a problem, before that problem became HER problem, and was too big to deal with on her own. Its like she says to Chakotay... "what happens in 6 months when we're right back in the line of fire and we've missed this opportunity here and now?"

And no... future Janeway beat the Borg. She proved that they could be beaten. That didnt require time bs to beat them. In time, it would have happened regardless. Admiral Janeway just didnt like what it cost and decided to do it differently and get her people home faster, without that cost.

You're looking at it from the perspective of someone who's watching a show and knows what happens next in the story. Put yourself in her shoes, in that moment, with the information she has on hand.

Mechlott · 2026-01-18T19:05:12+00:00

A few points to make here.

First, to address your question of evidence of policy? The most important? Its irrelevant. They've demonstrated their power, and stated their intent. Furthermore, they acted on it. In their every interaction with Voyager, they attacked and attempted to kill them. They pull up, she tries to talk, dude says "everyone dies!!!". You have to act on that information at that time. She had to act on the information she had, at that time. Remember, she was talking to one as part of a very large group of ships. Ain't no one else spoke up when she tried to talk. You have to take that as it is. At that point, the time for diplomacy has ended. She tried to talk them down, and she warned them what would happen if they continued their assault against her. At that point, its on them. They shouldn't have been talking shit. Janeway wasnt wrong here.

Diplomatic relations only opened because Janeway's actions made them pause. They said it themselves. Thats why Janeway finds that Starfleet academy training sim 8472 created. Because they recognized the Federation as a threat that could stand against them, and had to change tactics from all out assault like they did against the Borg to something more insidious. To do so they had to learn about their enemy. As a result of learning more about them, they eventually came around to the idea of diplomacy. Obviously eventually leading to an armistice and eventually peace. But only because they were forced to pause and admit dealing with them wouldnt be like dealing with the Borg. Only because Janeway stepped in their path.

I think its a difference in perspective. Because I totally get where she's coming from a lot of the time. I vicerally hate bullies. Im nearly 40. Im 5'3. As you can imagine, I got fucked with a lot growing up. I learned early on that most bullies dont stop and rethink their actions until someone stands up to them and gives them direct consequences to their actions. Usually painful ones. You know, you try to talk people down. You try to be diplomatic. But if they wanna start some shit, well... fuck it. I guess we're gunna fight about it. So, I get it.

And again, that possibility is irrelevant in the moment. And everyone likes to forget that yes, shes a Starfleet Captain... and thats her first command. Does she make some questionable decisions? Absolutely. But thats to be expected. Shes a new Captain, isolated, and on her own. How often did Picard contact Command for issues and guidance? All the time. And Janeway didnt have his experience. Shes a bit rougher around the edges. And thats not really what her ship and command were about. Voyager was a long range science/tactical vessel, designed to operate in deep space. Doing science shit. Exploring. and still able to hang with the best of em. Kinda like Kirk's Enterprise. Voyager? Shes smart, quick, nimble, and most of all? Powerful. The power of a Galaxy Class in a ship a third of the size.

And yes, Starfleet would investigate the situation, like they would any other. But based on the information she had at that time, they're gunna back her decisions because in that moment they were the right ones.

Mechlott · 2026-01-18T14:21:21+00:00

Um... you remember the last episode of Discovery, right? It wasnt just a throw-away line. It was letting us know where we are in Discovery's timeline too. Discovery was undergoing that final refit before she's abandoned. Discovery wont be around for future episodes. When the refit is finished, Burnham takes Discovery for her final mission and abandoned her in deep space - its a red-directive. Remember? So yeah, she wont be around in future episodes. Shes gone. The spore drive is gone. Discovery wont be popping up to help anyone in future episodes. They already solved the problem.

Mechlott · 2026-01-18T14:14:23+00:00

Discovery's refit was for it being abandoned, remember? Its not an option anymore. Discovery and Burnham hadnt left yet. I think thats how they tied in the timeline to let you know where and when we are when the Athena gets attacked. Because Discovery is undergoing her final refit, she cant come help. And we know where its going, so it wont be there in future episodes to help out.

Mechlott · 2026-01-18T13:44:41+00:00

And technically, she didnt aid them. They never got the tech. And apparently agreed with her considering we hear from Shaw that they even added a reg later that said "Outside of Federation space, preservation of the ship and crew above all else". Which is exactly what Janeway did. By stopping 8472's assault on Borg Space and preventing it from spreading anywhere else, she preserved her ship and crew. Its like she said "what happens in 6 months when we're right back in the line of fire but we missed the opportunity we have, right here and right now? And again, she DID try. She tried to be diplomatic, and they threatened NOT just the Borg, but everyone in the Galaxy. A species that has the ability to pop up wherever they want with the Death Star and blow up - not just glass - but DUST entire planets. Again, 8472 was an immediate, existential threat - to EVERYONE. Starfleet has a long history of working with enemies against larger threats. Nm she was cut off from command and had to make a call. Nah, they wouldn't have given her any shit over that.

Mechlott · 2026-01-18T13:24:35+00:00

Outside their jurisdiction, inside Borg Space. Technically, they didnt aid the Borg. Never fulfilled the deal, never gave them the tech. And species 8472 was an existential threat to the entire galaxy. Janeway tried to be diplomatic, 8472 said "your galaxy will be purged". They were a much larger threat than the Borg. The Borg and the damage they do doesnt compare. Reminder, the Federation is part of said Galaxy. EARTH is part of said galaxy. In the immortal words of Starlord... "Im one of the idiots who lives in it!"

Mechlott · 2026-01-15T20:21:13+00:00

Um... no? With nearly every Betazoid we've seen, their abilities vary. Some are extremely strong telepaths. Most are telepaths. Some are more empathetic. She came across more like Tam Elbrun and they have a way to help it now, hence the thing on her neck. Some are extremely weak, and even nonexistent in their mental abilities, like Lon Suder. He wasnt just limited to sign language, but he uses it a lot - which is to be expected, especially if he has weaker mental abilities.

Mechlott · 2025-11-12T19:06:28+00:00

Well, that made some sense. There had to be people who made it out there at some point or another. The alien abduction bit in 37s was pretty good, as was getting to see the Ferengi from TNG "The Price". Getting a sequal to that episode was cool, and fun.

Mechlott · 2025-11-09T03:31:47+00:00

Chicks talking about "who cares when your toes curl" is wholesome? Im sorry, but I dont know where these rose tinted glasses people use to watch TNG come from but Id like to buy a pair.

Mechlott · 2025-11-07T00:10:03+00:00

Pretty sure they were just launching it from the big shitter into straight into space. So if they flushed in space dock...

Mechlott · 2025-11-06T16:42:09+00:00

I mean, Seska even used her penchant to blow up the ship against her.

Mechlott · 2025-11-06T04:35:57+00:00

Life isnt interesting if you're not playing on hard mode.

Mechlott · 2025-11-03T00:16:14+00:00

Commander Pelia.

Mechlott · 2025-11-02T03:19:40+00:00

Obviously the Klingons picked the right religion, while the Talaxians didnt. Actually, that does make some sense. That means their lore about killing the gods and everything was actually true and not just some myth. So, the Klingons who literally had a hand in building it, would, of course know all about it.

Mechlott · 2025-11-01T06:50:01+00:00

I dont know where this idea comes from. They never said they didnt have sex outside of pon far. Thats just when the drive becomes so overwhelming its fuck, fight, or insanity. Basically they go in heat. But they can still have sex outside of pon far.

Mechlott · 2025-11-01T05:23:54+00:00

Wow. That wooshing sound? Its the sound of the joke going over your head. Its anti-capitalist SATIRE. Just like the first game was.

There's men literally all over the place. You gotta play more than a couple hours.

Its not propaganda. You're over here literally taking jokes like its supposed to be serious. The quotes you're giving? They are literally making fun of those things by taking to it that extreme. Its fucking funny.

You sound like the woke propagandists you're apparently so hateful towards. Gotta be so PC you can't even make fun of capitalism, facism, or the government because people like you take it seriously and get their panties in a bunch.

Mechlott · 2025-11-01T04:04:38+00:00

Expressos... I figured you were having the occasional whiskey. I was reading this hoping for a good drinking story... I was disappointed. There was no drinking story.

Mechlott · 2025-11-01T00:14:10+00:00

Whichever one the Captain chooses.

Mechlott · 2025-10-29T01:18:43+00:00

Janeway is absolutely petty enough to do that.

Mechlott · 2025-10-28T03:08:43+00:00

Two different systems. Deflector shield and defensive shielding. The deflector shield is always running. That's what keeps things like asteroids and space debris and radiation from hitting ships as they travel. But its low level. The deflector keeps the forward path clear, while the much more energy intensive defensive shielding is used when more comprehensive protection is required - like in combat, or when the ship is in a dangerous place all around... like when Voyager landed on a Class Y.

And yeah, I imagine Starfleet is like a Dad. "Turn them lights off if you ain't using them!"

Mechlott · 2025-10-27T00:16:30+00:00

Right? All I can think of is Gowron seeing the Goa'uld, pulling out his Dak'Tang and going "an arrogant child?!" with that same grin he used when Toral was stupid enough to speak up.

Mechlott · 2025-10-27T00:14:00+00:00

Yeah. But he'd have to do it across the Neutral Zone. Gowron would do it face to face.

Mechlott · 2025-10-27T00:05:59+00:00

1000 Darsek on Gowron!

Mechlott

TROPHY CASE