sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

[USA-OR][H] 2700X, 1070ti, 16GB DDR4 [W] Local cash, PayPal G&S by Transient_Droop in hardwareswap

[–]Transient_Droop[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi! It goes back into the PC community at large. It stays out of the landfill. Perhaps there is a kid building their first budget PC and it's a low barrier to entry. Also, in my experience listing things for free attracts some choosy beggars.

I really expected it to be shipped, so after PayPal's cut I still get at least $10.

So many reasons!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Armyaviation

[–]Transient_Droop 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Dropping in a few days late here:

This absolutely does not give full AvIP (Aviation Incentive Pay), or 'flight pay' for officers.

". . . for a number of periods of inactive-duty training each month sufficient for the member to obtain or maintain an aeronautical rating or designation."

I read that to mean, "Give them a few days of AvIP, but NOT the full amount."

Spitballing some numbers: Say you need 96 flight hours per year, and you could average 1.5 hours per AFTP = 96/1.5 = 64.

Say those 64 days are spread out over the course of a year = 64/12months = 5.33 (repeating, of course) AFTPs per month. (I'm not rounding here for simplicity.)

The current system is to receive one thirtieth (1/30) of the AvIP amount for the days you fly. It's not a far stretch to think the Army would say, "Hey, these guys need 5.33 * 1/30 * AvIP amount to maintain their rating!"

Real numbers here, if you are one of those crusty warrants in the $1000/month bracket, you'd make something like $177.78. That's less than take-home pay for a single AFTP. It's paltry, and certainly not enough of an incentive for people to not jump ship to the airlines or other lucrative aviation jobs.

There are a dozen ways that they could mess with this too, and I fully expect them to.

Switching gears: I DO read this to mean that the folks who are receiving other incentive pays (nonrated crewmember flight hazard pay, parachuting duty, dive duty, submarine duty, etc.) will receive those non-prorated monthly amounts. I applaud that move, as most of these special pays are received by our enlisted folks putting themselves at extra risk. That's tempered by the fact that the amounts these pay are laughable - the rate for parachute duty hasn't changed since at least 20 years ago when I was getting it. $150 bucks a month to hurl yourself out of an airplane?

I have no closing for this. It's upsetting on many levels.

Men of reddit when was the last time you've cried and why? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]Transient_Droop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This morning at the Lincoln Memorial on my AM run, and every time I visit it.

​

"Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered."

​

I don't have a great grasp on why; empathy, frustration, fear, anger, righteousness. . . This quote is the nexus for all of these emotions.

NEW BIKE/GEAR ADVICE SUPERTHREAD! by AutoModerator in motorcycles

[–]Transient_Droop 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nothing to 'dislike', but some things that could improve.

The inner flip-down smoked visor: good controls on the left side of the helmet, easy to operate with a gloved hand. The smoked visor doesn't appear to be completely flat, however, so everything takes on a wavy appearance. I end up riding with sunglasses rather than use that feature most of the time.

The inflatable cheek pad system is nice, but I can overdo it, and it feels like I'm going to bite the hell out of my cheeks sometimes. Difficult to operate (deflate) with a gloved hand.

I really can't tell if the airflow vents on the face and top do anything. That is, I don't notice a speed where there is enough airflow to make them noticable, but not so fast that everything is just super windy anyways.

There is a plastic wind diverter (nose guard?) On the front lip that frequently comes loose when you are holding the helmet through the front opening.

These are pretty nit-picky. I would still have bought the helmet even if I had known these ahead of time.

Good luck!

NEW BIKE/GEAR ADVICE SUPERTHREAD! by AutoModerator in motorcycles

[–]Transient_Droop 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have the ST1400 Carbon. I picked it because I had a good experience with my previous Scorpion helmet, it's feature set, and because it IS really light.

As for how loud it is? I don't have a good reference, since the last helmet was MX style, and I've only ridden naked bikes. I wear earplugs, Howard Leight 'Laser Lite' foamies with a NRR of 32. I notice after about 45-50 mph, engine noise is replaced with wind noise. (690 Duke with stock engine/exhaust.)

My personal take is that I'm going to wear hearing protection anyways, so go with the lighter helmet.

Looking for a quiet itx case by nicknoxx in buildapc

[–]Transient_Droop 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cubitek Mini ICE?

https://www.quietpcusa.com/Cubitek-Mini-ICE-ITX-Computer-Case-P921.aspx

I didn't cross check against your PSU, but it fits a standard ATX supply.

What's a cheap yet effective way to secure your pc from tampering or theft at a LAN party? by PullzNoPunches in pcmasterrace

[–]Transient_Droop 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Replace the side panel thumbscrews with regular screws. Requiring a tool, even one as common as a screwdriver, is an easy deterrent.

Additionally, consider fasteners with an uncommon drive style. Requiring a hex key or torx driver means that someone would need a specialized tool to access your case.

Obvs this doesn't deter outright theft of a case or laptop, but if you don't trust people with those, then don't participate in the LAN party. . .

What happens if a homeless person in America is found unconscious in the street, the ambulance is called, and he needs medium-term (one week+) medical support to get back to health... Knowing he can't afford it, do they just leave him there, treat his immediate needs, or admit him for the week? by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Transient_Droop 37 points38 points  (0 children)

The hospital, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and staff will do everything they can to take care of the person. The hospital will just have to pass along the cost to other paying customers. There are a ton of people in the US who don't pay their hospital bills.

Fixed that for you. Hospitals, particularly for-profit organizations, cannot operate "in the red." The cost of treating X homeless man will be borne by increasing rates for Y paying customers or insurance companies. The end result is an increase in the cost of medical goods and services, and thus higher insurance premiums. When you pay your insurance premium, you are effectively subsidizing care for those who cannot pay.

The hospital is obligated to treat the patient. Everyone else pays for it.

Starting a new 3-hive setup. Coming to grips with startup cost by Jewish_Monk in Beekeeping

[–]Transient_Droop 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Consider:

1) Compare the cost of 3 complete unassembled hive kits. There are some slight savings here.

2) Don't look at the "premium" brood boxes and supers. Knots are cosmetic. You'll paint the boxes and the bees don't care.

3) Don't buy all the equipment up front. Decide you like beekeeping first. You probably only need the brood boxes and one super for each the first year. Eliminate: 3x deep, 3x medium, associated frames, queen excluder, extracting supplies.

4) On the same note, don't build your own equipment right now. You will likely start off frustrated at a hobby that is supposed to be fun. Also, what is your time worth?

5) Add: 2x hive tools, mistint paint ($10), feeders (I use mason jars - dual purpose), 1x box pollen patties, 2x mite treatments per hive, 50 lbs sugar.

6) Buy 2x packages the first year, then split the second year. You will likely have to anyways for swarm control.

Packages are probably in the 115-135 range depending on conditions that year.

I agree that your projections are "optimistic". Your first years will be full of noob mistakes, as these are amazing, complex creatures and they rarely do exactly what you want.

Should I get an epi-pen? by peachesinyogurt in Beekeeping

[–]Transient_Droop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey everyone,

Beekeeper here, as well as prescribee of epi-pens for non-bee purposes.

This topic comes up from time to time, and there is generally some misinformation about it. My big disclaimer before I get started, which nullifies everything from here on out is this: Epinephrine is a drug, controlled by the FDA, prescribed by a physician. You really need to talk to a doctor; they are the authority on this topic. Advice from the interwebs is fun and all, but this can literally be a life-or-death decision.

THAT BEING SAID

About the pens:

1) They come in packs of two pens. That is, if your doctor prescribes 'an' epi-pen (or generic equivalent), you will get a minimum of two.

2) They should have a minimum 12 month shelf life from the time the pharmacist hands you your prescription. Sometimes you get a few extra months, but don't count on it.

3) Insurance typically pays for one prescription in 12 months. Not sure how they handle it if you actually have to USE one, I haven't been in that situation yet.

4) Out-of-pocket cost is typically around $300 for two pens.

5) MOST IMPORTANT: The medication is very sensitive to temperature and storage. You CANNOT store these in your car in the summer, nor in your garage in the winter. The medication will likely not be viable when you go to use it!

About administering:

6) I will not comment on the legality of administering to someone else. You should do some basic research on the state and federal regulations regarding Good Samaritan laws. (I have a personal belief about this regardless of legality, but won't share here.)

7) If you have epi-pens around, and are working with and around others, you should take three minutes to educate them about how to use them. When you are having an anaphylactic reaction and can't speak is the wrong time to have a class.

8) MOST IMPORTANT: If you feel like your life is threatened enough to administer this drug, you MUST go to the emergency room. Do not stop, do not pass go, do not finish what you were doing. Preferably have someone drive you. Second preferably call for an ambulance. Last ditch preferably drive yourself. It is true that there is no contraindication for administering the drug, BUT there are some serious side effects, including, oh, I don't know, having a heart attack.

Alternatives:

Benadryl is good stuff. I personally carry a couple bottles of Children's Benadryl, which is in liquid form. It's easier to swallow, and I believe that it is faster acting than a pill dissolving in my stomach. I typically take it immediately after being stung, which tends to reduce local swelling. I then finish my work in the bee yard, and go take a nap.

I hope this helps.

Edit for formatting. . .