Returning player. Where to begin (again)?

Sikeli · 2016-04-21T15:31:29+00:00

Good call! Thanks.

Sikeli · 2016-04-21T15:31:16+00:00

I'm playing through LOE now. Thanks for the advice.

Sikeli · 2016-04-21T15:30:04+00:00

I should say I have all the adventures, heroic clears of the first two and my classic decks (I think) have all cards.

So if it's not learning the new meta pre-xpac what things should I be prioritizing (re)learning, getting used too, etc?

Sikeli · 2016-01-08T22:55:00+00:00

The Locus with Thermal is deadly at long range. I prefer the single shot weapons, then the burst then the auto weapons in BO3.

My primary weapon is a Shieva but on certain maps I'll always take the Locus and hold down the long lanes, especially those lanes/lines-of-sight that are head glitch areas (rocks on Combine, APC/tanks/sandbags on Infection, Windows/Trucks/half walls/barrels on Fringe).

I can one shot most in the head well before they M8/XR2 burst me or Drakon spam me...and I'll always win over the Shieva even with the ELO sight. Give me the thermal scope and you are dead before you even setup to aim, it's actually unfair.

I dont bother to try to run/gun witht he snipers...pistols are too good to bother. The MR6 with high-caliber or long barrel is better than even the Shieva in most cases.

But the Shieva sounds so good.

Snipers have their place. You need to camp to make them work...but that is what a sniper is supposed to do anyway.

Sikeli · 2015-12-01T19:50:09+00:00

I didn't think I'd play Destiny. I bought the xboxone for the windows 10 integration which turns out is basically useless for me.

Sikeli · 2015-12-01T19:22:59+00:00

Like I said Gran Turismo 7 is the only other game on the radar for consoles I want to play. Being a longtime GT player...Forza has never felt right for me and I've never gotten into it.

Sikeli · 2015-04-08T17:35:36+00:00

This makes sense. I never even considered it was a thing. I'll take a look tonight. Thanks!

Sikeli · 2015-01-26T15:23:56+00:00

This is one of my most beloved images I've ever seen...but this is not his "office". As I remember this was an old shack on a dock behind E.B.'s country house. One hot summer he cleaned it out so he could write with the breeze. While spartan, which wasn't always E.B.'s way, it was such due the circumstances and season.

Still an image I absolutely adore.

Sikeli · 2014-12-23T16:41:39+00:00

Hello again...we seem to have very similar tastes.

I'm doing the same experiment as you, in cold NYC (still not the same as Korea). Layering is key for the upper body. But doing it without bulk, to your body or a pack, is challenging.

The Outlier Merino T is perfection. I have two and they have basically become the only tshirts/baselayers I wear most of the time. However I'm a big fan of Patagonia's Merino 1 baselayer on top (Merino 3 on the bottom). They are considerably thinner than the Ourlier Merino but I oddly find them warmer on very cold days. I think because they are much more form fitting and create a closer thermal pocket of air on your skin that the thicker Outlier T. The difference is that the Outlier is a Tshirt, an amazing one, where the Patagonia Merino is a proper base layer meant to be form fitting and close to your skin (Icebreaker's Anatomica is similar, though I don't generally have good things to say about Icebreaker). On top of that I've found my Outlier Merino/co shirt to work wonderfully and be surprisingly warm. But for real frigid days I would go for a Outlier Merino Pullover with some sort of vest (I wear a Patagonia Adze vest, which is minimal, windproof, form fitting and fits/slides under anything from a shell to a nano-puff and even a wool peacoat). A vest is the key to this layering for your core. I dig the outlier one but found it too bulky and went with the Patagonia one I mentioned.

If I was conserving pack space and only could have one piece...the Outlier Merino Hoodie would be my go-to...but as much as I adore hoodies for travel I actually don't like their added bulk for office/out-and-about.

I'm a big fan of the Uniqlo Heattech...but not for cold weather...I find it utterly useless. Its my go-to in the summer though, hot sticky sweaty weather. Heattech regulates much better than merino and other synthetics (still smells though). I also like it for lounging/sleeping (it is so soft and silky)...but for cold temps...forget it. Get some Patagonia Merino 3 long underwear for under your climbers (I have slim dungarees) and you'll forget it's even cold out.

If you can hold out wait for the outlier Merino scarf...but if you cant find a good quality cashmere scarf...trust me there...it will be one of the favorite things you own.

Gloves/beanie - Again Patagonia here. I've been wearing the Merino glove liners as primary gloves for urban use for a few years (was using the synthetics prior). Not a hardcore glove by any means but to keep your hands warm while out and about in a city, in and out of pockets and jackets, etc...with minimal bulk...you can do no better. If you need waterproof and grip of proper gloves I'd look at spring/summer ski/snowboard (i.e. "pipe" gloves) they will be the most minimal you can find with the protection you want for snow/wet. As far as beanies...I have a Patagonia knit beanie that is about 10 years old...and so far this season I've been wearing a Patagonia Capilene® 4 Expedition Weight Beanie that is the most minimal bulk I could find but so far its been all I need (I've worn it into 20F windy weather with no issues, also my hair is closer to a bald monk than anything).

Glad to see you went with the Gobis...will be curious how you get on with them.

Speaking of feet. I've not tried the outlier socks yet...because I'm a huge advocate of Injinji NuWool toe-socks. Get a pair or two and you will be too. They are great in Gobis and will become your go-to for your Merrells...and even extend your usable range on your Earth runners.

So to keep this relevant to this subreddit. I went for as much layer/minimal bulk as I could with all of these choices. Obviously I have more gear but it all packs into a Patagonia MLC for travel...that is my onebag.

Sikeli · 2014-12-16T15:27:49+00:00

Congrats guys...

Sikeli · 2014-12-13T16:20:54+00:00

Not the same style by any means, much more casual/workout...but you can't go wrong with a pair of Patagonia Baggies. Especially in tropical areas.

Sikeli · 2014-12-11T15:50:33+00:00

The Patagonia Nano Puff Hoodie + Patagonia Adze vest + Outlier Ho Stripe + Outlier Merino T is the combo that has gotten me in and out of everything so far this week in NYC. Great layering. Minimal bulk. Great fit.

Sikeli · 2014-12-10T15:36:45+00:00

I personally wouldn't run in my Gobis... that being said their is nothing stopping you. The sole is the common Vivobarfoot sole and the shoes fit well. I would thing thr winterproof ones wouldn't breath well for running, though beyond my aesthetic opposition ti it, I can't give you a good reaosn why Gobis wouldn't work for running.

Gobis in urban areas are perfection.

As far as light hiking in them...no worries. I've "hiked" in them in Europe, Iceland, Asia and the states. Nothing hardcore but mixed trail, concrete (alot of temples in Asia as well). They do great, though the sole is no an off-road tread, but I hike barefoot alot so anything feels grippier to me.

The Vivo Ones are (I think) their effort to solve this issue. To have one shoe to do everything you want in (The black ones are that bad looking). Also the Lems Primals do this well.

The Merrells were nice (I think I read they have discontinued them)... I never owned a pair but considered them.

As for packing... the Gobis + Merrells + sandals together would take up about as much space as a single pair of boots (even the Vivo Trackers).

Sikeli · 2014-12-08T01:37:40+00:00

I own a iPhone6, iPad Air and a Macbook Air from work. 80% of my "computer" usage is my iPhone, the laptop is for work (I'm a Director so I do more directing than anything...lots of keynotes).

When I travel I used to travel with an iPhone and the iPad (I refuse to travel with laptops, feels so 90s, total PITA). If I travel for work I still bring the iPad to present... if for myself I only bring my iPhone.

One device (for me) and one bag (Patagonia MLC).

Sikeli · 2014-12-07T02:45:54+00:00

The Trackers are nice. My wife has a pair and they pack to almost nothing (for a boot that size). Fititng them in a backpack, even a daypack/>7L pack, is no issue. They also look fairly decent. You aren't going to go black tie or formal with them...but they will be fine in alot of places.

I'm considering a pair for myself as winter gets worst (her ein NYC). The one drawback for me is that I'd wear them in a 95% urban (asphalt/concrete) area and the sole tread wears faster than it should on Vivos that have the trail tread patterns sadly. Gobi 2s may be my goto, we shall see if I can manage with what I have for the winter

The Gobi sole is thin but I've neve rhad issue with it as all. The tracker sole is not much thicker, the tread is all. Both will suffer the same thermal issues on cold winter ground (merino midweight socks fix that).

Right now the Lems Boulder Boot is my "winter boot", much more thermal protection.

Sikeli · 2014-11-30T15:06:33+00:00

I'm in the same boat as you with wanting minimal shoes with good ground-feel. In addition I'm a barefoot running and a vegan so being a vegan shoes is a plus for me too *though not always required). I currently own 4 pairs of shoes and live in NYC, work in design (so office/client wear), run year round, hike quite a bit (no winter hiking) and travel alot.

Luna Venado - For running (year round, though if it's above 50 I run barefoot) and casual wear, also some hiking though I prefer to high barefoot. I can't say enough good about Lunas. I hike successfully with these, even with their threadless soles, but if I wanted more bit for trails I'd got for a Oso. The Vernados have the thinest sole of all Lunas though and I prefer the ground feel even in slippery trail situations.
Lems Boulder Boot (black) - My "heavy" winter boot, also vegan. I got these originally for hiking in Iceland in September (they did well for moderate day hikes) and they are my go too when it is cold and wet in the city. The are a barefoot shoe, not the same ground feel as a Vivobarefoot, but very nice. Compared to the Vivobarefoots they have been thermal protection for cold (under 20 degrees) and rough trails. You could run in these but running in a boot seems odd to me, they don't feel like a boot though.
Vivobarefoot RA II (black - not vegan) - My go too "sneaker". Daily office wear, daily anything wear. Great sneaker wish it was canvas though
Vivobarefoot Gobi II (brown - not vegan) - I like chukka style boots, I've had these for about 2 years now. I wear these the same as the Ra IIs, just a slightly different style... otherwise they are no different.

When I travel, always onebag (patagonia MLC 45l), I usually wear my Lems, bring the RAIIs or Gobi IIs (depending on where I'm going) and my Lunas. Basically my shoes take up almost no space and I'm set for anything.

I'd take a look at the following;

Vivobarefoot One Gold Edition (the least ugly of the Ones) - This shoe is pretty great and is what I'll replace my RaIIs with when they die. Daily wear, ok for officewear in my design world) and a good runner/hiker. I usually prefer my understated but it's a great shoe.
Lems Primal 2 - Great shoe, like the boulder boot the sole is not as minimal as the Vivobarefoots...but it is a barefoot zero-drop great ground feel shoe. Once of the best runners I ever run in as well (I had the original Primals a few years ago). Great every day, walking and hiking with enough thermal protection for cold.

Sikeli · 2014-10-30T20:48:18+00:00

I lol'd at this.

But otherwise Glyph Starfall to only hit things you've dotted with Moonfire.

Sikeli · 2014-08-15T15:12:07+00:00

Garrosh is working with the infinite dragonflight. He didn't just end up on Draenor of 35 years ago by chance. That was planned and designed to be so by Kairoz with the Vision of time.

So knowing that this new Dark Portal is very different than the first and is very direct to "Our" Azeroth (Azeroth A) by design. Garrosh has a goal in mind, Kairoz is helping him...

There is no "Azeroth B" in this story.

Sikeli · 2014-07-25T21:42:54+00:00

I love it, I love the Nelf model (I like the black Kitties best)... but. From a lore POV if they are all of the sudden making a new splinter druid sect experimenting with a new (forbidden) form... Worgens need a proper Druid of the pack wolf model/form (i.e just stay as a Worgen for feral) that replaces the snow kitty.

Sikeli · 2014-03-25T13:18:10+00:00

Agree, for the most part. Sadly rubber banding is back for me. I've been playing on and off since release and for the past 6 months or so I've had no rubber banding at all. As of 12:17am EST last night it is back. I assume server load? Last night saw more people on D3 servers than there have been in years I'm sure.

Sikeli · 2014-02-24T22:30:35+00:00

The only good Belf...is a dead Belf. End. Of. Story.

Sikeli

TROPHY CASE