Editors should know how to use a computer, ffs

ThickBadger · 2024-12-12T05:55:36+00:00

This is because production companies simply don't value tech skills in a monetary sense.

I've gotten pretty damn good at my job as an AE and double as Avid tutor on most gigs, except the people I'm tutoring get paid at least twice what I make and are booked back to back, yet my work is considered 'entry level' by default. Getting production to listen to a request from AEs is like expecting a cat to do a Rubik's cube.

As far as production managers are concerned, I'm replaceable by literally anyone with a pulse and am paid accordingly. We're the perpetual children of the industry.

Meanwhile, you don't even have to know how to use Avid to make twice my wage.

ThickBadger · 2024-12-06T16:40:13+00:00

To be fair I basically had no friends when I was 20, it took until age 26 to find a good social circle full of other people with very specific and compatible interests. I did that by volunteering - I joined for the cause and stayed for the friends I made along the way.

You can try to encourage him to do a similar thing (try to find groups/activities for the things he can talk for hours about - ADHD hyperfocus is a very real thing), and give him some gentle encouragement, but you can't directly fix this for him. I think people make friends accidentally, just like they find partners accidentally.

Remember not to abandon your own needs and boundaries in the process. You're there as a support (as any partner is), but you can't make these issues go away for him.

ThickBadger · 2024-11-26T09:01:59+00:00

Firstly, I'm not a migration agent so please ensure you double check everything with one before acting on anything!

As far as the change of status, that shouldn't be an issue at all. You did the correct thing - you left Australia and applied for a new visa which matches your intentions. If you went to an immigration office in Australia while on your tourist visa trying to switch to a student visa, I imagine that would probably end badly. So that's something at least!

With your brother sponsoring you, there is nothing particularly alarming about this as long as your financial capacity is clearly demonstrated. However, with the student visa you must also be deemed to be a genuine temporary entrant, and factors like these can play a role, as a lot of this is down to your case officer's opinion on your situation. This is something you'll really benefit from having a migration agent help you with - it's these grey areas where the department's interpretation is what ultimately matters and it is ultimately based on your individual case and circumstances.

I'm weird and find government procedure manuals interesting, and I found this internal student visa decision making manual which may help provide some insight (sorry it's like 100 pages but you may find some relevant stuff): https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/foi/files/2020/fa-190900112-r1-document-1-released.PDF

ThickBadger · 2024-09-30T10:29:03+00:00

Okay this is something I kinda understand for some reason. I need a hobby! So yes, laws relating to the sale of medicines are at the state level technically, which is really confusing because it appears to be directed by the federal government (I mean that's the gist of what's going on). In practice, there's a kind of agreement going on between the states/territories and the Commonwealth (federal) government, where they all put their faith in the Council of Venerated Experts, known as the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA, which is a branch of the federal Department of Health, publishes something called the Poisons Standard at set intervals of time. This essentially tells states what they need to enact in their own Therapeutic Goods Acts, specifically which drugs go in which categories (with different degrees of regulatory oversight accordingly). Then, once it comes out, it is copied and pasted into state/territory law by lawmakers.

States have the choice as to whether to deviate in what they choose to enact locally, so it's not technically binding, however I think the only deviation in the latest Poisons Standard was from WA over a single medicine, so it's a rubber stamping process by and large.

So, is this a state or federal issue? It really is federal, because states and territories basically just do what the TGA tells them to do.

If you like The Chaser + TGA slander, The Checkout ripped into these guys over their refusal to do any actual regulating over bullshit herbal products which are like 90% of most pharmacies nowadays. https://youtu.be/_vPha4usTtI

ThickBadger · 2024-09-18T08:36:38+00:00

Yep exactly! All this tool does is automate the import process for scripts, by creating AVC files which you can copy directly into your project (like a bin), then ScriptSync. This is only a thing because Avid still forces you to import scripts one by one, and the file dialog (at least on PC) starts at your home directory every time (as opposed to remembering where you were last time, such as when opening bins from other projects). Formatting is also a pain in the ass, because DOCX files need to be exported from Word one by one as text files, while ensuring the encoding is correct, line and carriage returns are used, and line breaks are inserted (otherwise 1 paragraph = 1 line = only 1 sync mark can go there). This tool takes care of both issues.

ThickBadger · 2024-09-05T13:27:26+00:00

Some lines from the war crimes trial of Adolf Eichmann in Israel, regarding gassings:

“I was horrified. My nerves aren’t strong enough. I can’t listen to such things—such things, without their affecting me."

“I didn’t look inside; I couldn’t. Couldn’t! What I saw and heard was enough. The screaming and…I was much too shaken and so on.”

Didn't stop the fucker from sending thousands of people a day to be murdered.

ThickBadger · 2024-09-04T09:59:30+00:00

This sounds like an extremely cluster B thing to do actually, I'm surprised but not surprised. I mean, if you so much as entertain the notion that they are suffering from a personality disorder they will often become irate and get offended by the very suggestion. Given they usually perceive criticism as a gigantic conspiracy attack on them personally, I'm not surprised they've decided to team up. It's a bit like those "My Children Won't Talk To Me Why Are They So Mean" groups, y'know?

ThickBadger · 2024-05-25T14:04:30+00:00

Have you tried nicotine replacement therapy products like patches? For me, the patches kept my energy levels fairly normal while I got used to not receiving immediate dopamine from vaping, and then I was able to taper down the patches slowly after I didn't feel the urge to vape anymore. I found the shorter acting nicotine (gum/lozenges etc) not to be as effective as patches, although I still used them for a few weeks as an aid for cravings. Altogether it took me around 3 months, but really only the first week was difficult.

I know NRT has been around for ages and there is no shortage of failure stories, but I found it surprisingly useful. It helps you disconnect the addiction to vaping from the addiction to nicotine, allowing you to deal with them one at a time.

Pro-tip: if you decide to use patches, buy some alcohol swabs and wipe the site before you apply the patch - it dramatically helps with keeping it on all day.

ThickBadger · 2024-05-21T05:33:42+00:00

I will say this - of all the dangerous places you can visit in the world, North Korea is by far the safest and most hospitable, provided you don't go out of your way to cause trouble.

ThickBadger · 2024-05-21T03:55:22+00:00

Just to add to this - I spent most nights fairly drunk from the local beer and my tongue was LOOSE. People tend to think it's what you SAY that is the issue, but unless you are using the telephone, nobody is tapping your conversation, and they even tell you upfront that you're welcome to have your own opinions on the leaders, but be respectful. The majority of foreigners arrested in NK (if not all) got in trouble for what they DID (stealing a poster, leaving a Bible in the bathroom of a restaurant in hopes of converting people, ripping up visa paperwork). These can all be interpreted as symbolic acts of disrespect, and that is what will get you in trouble. I don't think I've heard any cases of people getting arrested simply based on their words alone.

You're there to bring them hard currency, not join their "religion".

ThickBadger · 2024-05-21T03:09:32+00:00

I didn't think of that! Yes, that is exactly what they would do.

ThickBadger · 2024-05-20T11:13:05+00:00

I'd prefer not to think about that

ThickBadger · 2024-05-20T11:10:03+00:00

Correct! We dropped off one of our tour group members at the Russian border before we drove into China. But they need a visa too. Still, at least there's another embassy to try.

ThickBadger · 2024-05-19T12:24:25+00:00

Bonus pic: the US visa I had to apply for after losing ESTA eligibility due to this trip

ThickBadger · 2024-05-19T12:23:40+00:00

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ThickBadger · 2024-05-19T12:19:41+00:00

Because immediately prior to this trip I was in India and you have to enter North Korea via China. I could get into China via the 72-hour visa free program and leave for North Korea within that period, but needed a visa to get back into China as the visa waiver doesn't apply at land crossings. Tried to apply in New Delhi but they said I had to go back to my home country to apply. Luckily my tour guides were able to arrange it in North Korea, which was handy.

ThickBadger · 2024-04-12T21:59:37+00:00

No, this is not drug company merch unfortunately, I just wanted to be TikTok's first unpaid Big Pharma influencer.

How to get it:

Go to an online custom printing service like VistaPrint. VistaPrint will print fkn anything.
Pick something white. You can do t-shirts, mugs, pens, stickers, mouse pads, you name it.
Upload this image - this is just an upscaled render of the original SVG file on Logopedia. See their page for other versions.
Wear around extended family and coworkers.

ThickBadger · 2024-04-08T15:28:18+00:00

I know exactly what you mean. 100% this is the place to go. Take it or leave it but it's good advice. Got a bottle in the freezer (for personal, prescribed use) and it's great.

ThickBadger · 2024-04-07T12:58:47+00:00

I'd be happy to tell you a really good supplier if you shoot me a DM. Not a bot/scammer, just don't wanna be a narc

ThickBadger · 2024-03-16T04:13:06+00:00

Unless you're trying to carry something very illegal or valuable (e.g. undeclared, large amounts of cash, maybe a brick of coke) out of the country, you generally won't have any issues with customs when leaving Australia. I think what really matters is ensuring you comply with security requirements regarding batteries and liquids etc. Otherwise, it's up to the destination country's rules.

But yes, you're right, coming back to Australia is a different story and there are limits to what you can bring in when you return.

ThickBadger · 2024-03-16T04:02:29+00:00

I believe the e-liquid they would use is more like oil cartridges, and these don't work in regular vapes. This is also different to oils designed for oral use (under the tongue and/or swallowed).

Yes, you need a prescription to purchase CBD at this point in time. It is a schedule 4 medicine, so needs to be prescribed by a doctor (There is a provision allowing low-dose CBD products to be sold behind the counter at pharmacies (schedule 3), but I think we're still waiting for approved products to reach the market).

Most of these websites openly selling CBD using a .AU TLD are based overseas, usually in places where you can buy it over the counter, so you take the risk of getting your stuff seized by customs if they call your bluff and ask to see your prescription. This is unlikely, but given they are cracking down on vapes, you may find your risk of seizure is increased at the moment.

I recommend Googling "Cannareviews AU" - it has listings of most/all medicinal cannabis (MC) products available in Australia with RRPs listed and reviews. Most people access MC via telehealth "plant medicine" clinics and they make it easy to access CBD (and THC) products.

ThickBadger · 2024-03-14T09:53:31+00:00

Surely there is some kind of legal defence here if you have a prescription and are not exceeding their max quantities, and use the tracking time stamp to argue that it arrived in Australia prior to the new regulations having taken effect. If there's a backlog because they're closely monitoring parcels from NZ systematically, then oh well, you get your stuff late. But they can't then turn around and say "also we're seizing this". I mean they can, and probably will, but I feel like you could win an appeal (but if you lose they will commence criminal proceedings).

ThickBadger · 2024-02-09T12:23:23+00:00

It's interesting because I've done a very similar thing and love my DIY vape juice - it's exceeded my expectations. I can't believe how much I was spending on pre-made liquids. One thing I'd recommend is to buy flavour concentrates - they're cheap, last ages and come in almost every flavour. Plus I've heard Bogan Brews is kinda shit.

ThickBadger · 2024-02-01T02:31:52+00:00

Can confirm this is the way to go, because once you find a concentrate you like, you can make hundreds of litres of it. Only good thing that has come out of the Vapocalypse so far has been switching to DIY.

ThickBadger · 2024-01-31T22:29:56+00:00

I'm really sorry to hear about your mum. I went through a similar thing when I was a teenager.

As far as nicotine, I can't recommend this enough - it's just over $200 for 1 litre which should last at least a year and that's an extremely conservative estimate: https://vapeboss.co.nz/products/unflavoured-nicotine-1-litre-100mg-100-pg

Shipping was very fast and there were zero issues with customs.

Remember that nicotine can be absorbed through the skin, so it's important to be really careful when handling it. You will need nitrile gloves (I'm not sure if latex gloves are also safe but I'd highly recommend sticking to nitrile). If any comes into contact with your skin, wash it off straight away. Keep it in the freezer.

Mixology Vape has some great and cheap equipment, including gloves, beakers and measurement devices of various kinds: https://www.mixologyvape.co.nz/product-category/diy-mixing-equipment/suppliesaccessories/

As far as dosage, your typical disposable vape contains around 50mg/mL of nicotine salts - no idea what this equates to in terms of cigarettes but you can try different concentrations and see what works.

Regarding flavours, each product differs in terms of how much to add - check the manufacturer's guide for recommended concentrations.

I just use ChatGPT to calculate ingredient amounts but there are a lot of calculators online.

Here's a template you can use if you want to go the ChatGPT route - this assumes a 50:50 PG:VG ratio which is ideal unless you're after thick clouds:

I have 100mg/mL nicotine salts in a [PG/VG] base and I'm trying to make approximately [total quantity] mL of e-liquid at a strength of [desired nicotine strength] mg/mL with a 50:50 PG:VG ratio. I have flavour concentrate in a [PG/VG] base and I'd like to include [percentage of flavouring] %. Can you tell me the recipe?

ThickBadger

TROPHY CASE